93. Colon

Question 1

Which artery supplies the proximal half of the descending colon?

Answer 1

B) Middle colic artery

Question 2

In cats, the cecocolic orifice is located:

Answer 2

B) Adjacent to the ileocolic orifice

Question 3

Which of the following structures tethers the descending colon to the ascending duodenum?

Answer 3

A) Duodenocolic ligament

Question 4

Which portion of the colon is primarily involved in fecal storage?

Answer 4

D) Distal colon

Question 5

Which cells are responsible for mucus secretion in the colon?

Answer 5

A) Goblet cells

Question 6

In which species is the cecum short and comma-shaped?

Answer 6

B) Cats

Question 7

Which of the following is the most common cause of feline megacolon?

Answer 7

B) Idiopathic

Question 8

What is the primary function of short-chain fatty acids in the colon?

Answer 8

B) Absorb Na+ and Cl-

Question 9

Which layer of the colon is most important for tensile strength during healing?

Answer 9

B) Submucosa

Question 10

What is the recommended suture pattern for colonic anastomosis?

Answer 10

A) Simple interrupted

Question 11

The mesocolon is shortest at the level of the right colic flexure.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

The colonic epithelium is involved in both absorption and secretion functions.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Colonic transit is slower than that of the small intestine, allowing time for fecal mixing.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

The left colic artery supplies the proximal portion of the transverse colon.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

The colon of cats contains numerous aggregated lymphoid nodules similar to those in the small intestine.

Answer 15

False

Question 16

A biofragmentable anastomosis ring provides an inverted wound with high bursting strength.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Fibrin glue has been shown to have consistently positive results for colonic sealing in veterinary patients.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

Colonic mucosa is composed of columnar and cuboidal epithelial cells arranged in parallel crypts.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

A major component of colonic secretion is K+ and bicarbonate (HCO3-).

Answer 19

True

Question 20

The cranial mesenteric artery supplies the majority of the colon.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

Describe the role of the vasa recta in colonic blood supply.

Answer 21

The vasa recta bifurcate and supply blood to the muscular and submucosal layers.

Question 22

What is the primary clinical sign of idiopathic megacolon in cats?

Answer 22

Severe constipation and obstipation.

Question 23

What surgical procedure is indicated for cecal neoplasia in dogs?

Answer 23

Typhlectomy.

Question 24

Which diagnostic imaging technique is best for identifying colonic polyps?

Answer 24

Colonoscopy.

Question 25

What are the main functions of goblet cells in the colon?

Answer 25

Secretion of mucus.

Question 26

Name two common indications for colectomy in cats.

Answer 26

Megacolon, neoplasia.

Question 27

What is the function of the ileocolic junction?

Answer 27

Prevents reflux of colonic contents into the small intestine.

Question 28

What is the significance of aldosterone in colonic sodium absorption?

Answer 28

Enhances sodium absorption via amiloride-sensitive sodium channels.

Question 29

What is the role of the cranial rectal artery in colonic vasculature?

Answer 29

Supplies the distal descending colon and rectum.

Question 30

How does colonic wound strength compare to that of the small intestine during healing?

Answer 30

Colonic wound healing is slower than the small intestine, with strength returning to 75% at 4 months.

Question 31

A cat presents with chronic obstipation and megacolon. What medical management options are available before considering surgery?

Answer 31

Stool softeners, prokinetics, manual evacuation.

Question 32

A dog presents with colonic volvulus. What are the key clinical signs and imaging findings?

Answer 32

Abdominal distension, gaseous distension on radiographs.

Question 33

You are performing a subtotal colectomy in a cat with megacolon. What considerations should you have regarding the ileocolic junction?

Answer 33

Preserving the ileocolic junction reduces the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Question 34

What complications can arise from a combined abdominal transanal pull-through procedure for colorectal tumors?

Answer 34

Wound dehiscence, fecal incontinence.

Question 35

In a dog with a colonic tumor, why might you perform a CT scan prior to surgery?

Answer 35

To assess tumor size, invasion, and potential metastasis.

Question 36

Which antibiotic is recommended for perioperative prophylaxis in colonic surgery?

Answer 36

C) Cefoxitin

Question 37

Which of the following is a risk factor for colonic wound dehiscence?

Answer 37

A) Hypoperfusion

Question 38

Which diagnostic method is best suited for evaluating submucosal colonic lesions?

Answer 38

A) Ultrasound

Question 39

What is the most likely complication after colopexy?

Answer 39

D) Fecal incontinence

Question 40

In which type of colonic neoplasia is immunohistochemistry most useful?

Answer 40

B) Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

Question 41

Postoperative hemorrhage is a common complication of biofragmentable anastomosis rings.

Answer 41

False

Question 42

Cats with megacolon often respond well to long-term medical management alone.

Answer 42

False

Question 43

Colonic anastomosis using staples tends to result in more fibrosis compared to sutures.

Answer 43

False

Question 44

The cranial mesenteric artery supplies the entire transverse colon.

Answer 44

False

Question 45

The submucosa is the weakest layer of the colon.

Answer 45

False