What is twisted gut?

Twisted gut or intestinal torsion is a serious, usually fatal condition of livestock. It happens when a blockage or sudden movement causes one or more loops of intestine to twist over each other. The loops involved have their blood supply cut off and become gangrenous, swollen and extremely painful. The usual treatment is the immediate euthanasia of the animal involved. In valuable livestock ie stud bulls and valuable horses, an operation is available which involves removing the affected loops of bowel, stitching the ends together and hoping the animal pulls through. This is such an expensive procedure, and the recovery process so touch-and-go - that it is not often attempted.