[Animal nutrition for veterinarians--case study: colic in ponies in a "petting zoo" caused by ingestion of higher amounts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)].

Nutritional disorders in domestic or pet animals depend not seldom on special situations, for example when different influences coincide concerning keeping, housing and offering of feed or water. These lead suddenly to high-risk situations, that can cause sometimes the death of the animal. The following case report deals with two ponies, that were kept on a so-called "petting zoo" and showed repeatedly colic symptoms (always after a weekend). During surgery in the stomach light yellow balls were found, that can be explained by ingestion of 1.0 to 1.5 kg wheat. This cereals consist--depending on variety--gluten, that can cause the observed conglobates. Due to the forming of such balls that can lead to health disorders in form of colics, gastritis or ruptures of the stomach the feeding of high amounts of wheat should be avoided. Snacks rich in fiber or high amounts of roughage (straw, hay) that are fed before opening of the zoo could be a practical alternative.