Equine GIT Flashcards

1
Q

Give some clinical signs of choke

A
Coughing 
Ptyalism (excessive salivation)
Dysphagia (food and saliva evident at nostrils)
Repeated flexion and extension of neck
Sudden onset
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2
Q

What advice would you give to the owner of a horse with choke?

A

Most cases resolve spontaneously
Take all feed and water away
Monitor for 30 mins
If no improvement: vet involvement needed
If does resolve spontaneously: provide water but wait 1-2hr before feeding (give sloppy feeds)
Ask about dental history/evidence of quidding as dental problems need to be ruled out

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3
Q

On which side of the neck does the oesophagus lie in the horse?

A

Left

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4
Q

How should you treat a horse with choke if it has not spontaneously resolved?

A

Full history and clinical exam
Sedate with alpha 2 agonist eg romifidine and butorphanol +/- butylscopolamine
Keep horses head down to reduce aspiration
+/- oxytocin
Pass a nasogastric tube to confirm diagnosis
Perform lavage of the oesophagus
Repeat lavage until material is removed and stomach tube can be passed into stomach

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5
Q

How would you lavage the oesophagus when treating a horse with choke?

A

Warm (not hot) water
Stirrup pump
Single-ended stomach tube (ie not one with holes at bottom-less force pushing water through)

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6
Q

What aftercare should you provide for horses with choke after lavaging out the obstruction?

A

Decide if antimicrobials are needed (risk of inhalational pneumonia in protracted cases)
Provide water and gradually reintroduce feed over 24-48 hours (sloppy feed first)
Owner should monitor for nasal discharge/coughing/dullness
Rule out underlying cause (dental exam)
Endoscopic exam if 2 or more episodes of choke occur (rule out underlying cause eg stricture)
If feed is involved, it is sometimes appropriate to repeat lavage again in 4-8 hours

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7
Q

Why may oesophageal tears/perforations occur?

A

Following trauma (eg being kicked)
Secondary to oesophageal pathology (eg diverticulum)
Iatrogenic (eg stomach tubing)

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8
Q

What clinical signs would make you suspect an oesophageal tear or perforation?

A

Marked swelling and crepitus in the left cervical region]Deteriorating CV parameters

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9
Q

Give the consequences of carbohydrate overload

A

Intestinal bacterial fermentation and absorption of endotoxins -> colic and severe abdominal distension -> SIRS, laminitis, diarrhoea +/- death

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10
Q

What should you do initially in cases of carbohydrate overload?

A
Lavage gastric contents with warm water (within 1-2hrs of ingestion) until only water is retrieved 
\+/- administer activated charcoal (protects gut lining against endotoxins) (1-3g/kg as slurry)
Administer flunixin 0.25g/kg IV q8h (anti-endotoxin effects)
Perform cryotherapy (ice therapy) of feet (dampens the effect of SIRS and prevents laminitis)
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11
Q

How should you treat later stages of carbohydrate overload once signs of SIRS have developed?

A

Referral/intensive medical or surgical management

Poor prognosis if signs of colic/laminitis develop

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12
Q

What is the role of activated charcoal in cases of carbohydrate overload?

A

Protects gut lining against endotoxins

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13
Q

What is the role of flunixin in cases of carbohydrate overload?

A

Anti-endotoxin effects

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14
Q

What is dysphagia?

A

Difficulty swallowing but usually expanded to include difficulty eating

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15
Q

What are the 3 major causes of dysphagia in horses?

A

Pain (eg abscess, dental, mouth pain, foreign body)
Neurogenic (eg head trauma, guttural pouch disease, pharyngeal paralysis, lead poisoning)
Obstructive (eg neoplasia, oesophageal obstruction/stricture)

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16
Q

Describe the approach to diagnosis of dysphagia

A
Full history
Watch the horse try to eat to determine which phase the problem appears to be in (oral/pharyngeal/oesophageal)
Full clinical exam
Neuro assessment (esp. cranial nerves)
\+/- intra-oral exam
\+/- imaging
Haematology/biochemistry
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17
Q

Describe the treatment for dysphagia in horses

A
Depends on underlying cause
Referral may be warranted in some cases
NSAIDs
Slurry feed/nasogastric intubation
\+/- IV fluids
General nursing care and careful observation
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18
Q

How would you treat a mandibular fracture?

A

Sedate and examine mouth
Determine the fracture configuration
Fractures of the incisive plate can be treated in the field: sedate, nerve blocks, intra-oral wiring

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19
Q

Give some possible causes of a rectal prolapse

A
Diarrhoea
Colic
Heavy parasite burden
Proctitis/mass in the rectum
Other causes of repeated straining eg dystocia, RFM
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20
Q

How would you treat the different grades of rectal prolapse?

A

Grades I, II and III: reduce the prolapsed tissue and address underlying cause
Grade IV: surgical management (poor prognosis)

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21
Q

Give some possible consequences of trauma to the abdomen?

A
Rupture of the abdominal viscus
Body wall tears/rupture
Diaphragmatic tears
Abdominal haemorrhage
Peritonitis
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22
Q

How would you assess trauma to the abdomen?

A

Full history
Full clinical exam
+/- abdominocentesis
Treatment based on degree of trauma/repair of wounds/suspicion of internal organ damage (may need to refer)

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23
Q

Give some potential causes of haemabdomen

A

Secondary to abdominal trauma
-Splenic rupture/tear
-Uterine tear in pregnant mare
Following parturition (rupture of middle uterine artery)

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24
Q

How would you treat an incisional hernia?

A

Prolonged box rest
Commercial hernia belt (belly band)
Surgical repair may be required (4-6 months after initial surgery) (prosthetic mesh placement)

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25
When do incisional hernias occur?
Following colic surgery
26
Give some possible complications of thoracic wall injuries
Pneumothorax Respiratory distress Intra-thoracic haemorrhage Pleuropneumonia
27
Acute diarrhoea comes from which part of the intestines?
Colon
28
Watery diarrhoea most likely stems from which part of the intestines and why?
Large intestines, as this is where water is usually absorbed, hence an alteration in colonic pathology -> less water absorption (water passes straight through SI)
29
How much water is secreted into the proximal GIT in the normal horse (including food/water drunk)? How much is absorbed by the LI?
125L/day | 90L of this is absorbed by the LI
30
Give some differential diagnoses for chronic diarrhoea in the adult horse?
``` Dietary causes Parasitism (strongyles; cyathostomins usually cause acute diarrhoea) Dental disease Sand ingestion Non GI causes (eg kidney, liver, heart) NSAID toxicity (right dorsal colitis) Infiltrative disorders (chronic IBD) Neoplasia (eg lymphosarcoma) ```
31
Give some infectious causes of chronic diarrhoea
``` Salmonella Lawsonia intracellularis (proliferative enteritis in younger foals) Parasites (eg strongyles) Abdominal abscess Rhodococcus equi ```
32
Give some non-infectious, inflammatory causes of chronic diarrhoea
Sand ingestion Granulomatous enteritis Lymphosarcoma
33
Give some non-infectious, non-inflammatory causes of chronic diarrhoea
Abnormal fermentation and/or motility
34
How thick should the wall of the large bowel be?
3-4mm
35
Stress predisposes to what affecting the bowel?
Colitis
36
Give some presenting clinical signs of chronic diarrhoea
``` No/mild dehydration Eating well (not SIRS) +/- weight loss +/- polydipsia +/- oedema ```
37
How many faecal samples should you take when doing a culture for salmonella?
5
38
What should you check when investigating chronic diarrhoea?
Salmonella culture Check for parasites and sand (sedimentation test in glove) Check haematology and biochem for inflammation Check plasma protein conc (hypoproteinuria?) Peritoneal fluid (check protein, WBC) Ultrasound Rectal biopsy Absorption tests
39
What should you give to de-worm a horse with chronic diarrhoea?
Lavicidal Fenbendazole 10mg/kg daily for 5 days or ivermectin Followed in one week by moxidectin
40
Give some possible treatments for chronic diarrhoea
Treat underlying disease De-worm Yeast/probiotic (can improve fermentation problems) Access to normal manure
41
Give some causes of acute colitis in horses >9 months old
``` Idiopathic most common Salmonella Clostridia Drug-induced (NSAIDs, antibiotics) Larval cyathostomins ```
42
Give some predisposing factors to acute colitis in horses >9 months old
``` Antibiotic treatment (alters GI flora) Any stress (eg transport, competition, hospitalisation, surgery) ```
43
When should you isolate a horse with acute colitis?
If it has 2 out of the following 3 symptoms: Pyrexia Diarrhoea Low WBCC
44
Give some clinical signs of acute colitis
``` Depression Fever Colic Diarrhoea Tachypnoea Tachycardia (80-100bpm) Congested to purple mm Slow CRT >2s (ie signs of shock) Anorexia Dehydration Reduced GI sounds ```
45
Describe the pathophysiology of acute colitis
``` Fluid loss (excess secretion due to inflammation and enterotoxins, loss of Na, Cl, K and Bicarb -> fluid follows) Mucosal inflammation, ischaemia and reperfusion injury Breakdown of GI mucosal barrier (absorption of endo/exotoxins) ```
46
Why would a horse have raised liver enzymes if it has acute colitis?
Endotoxins from colitis go to the liver first -> increased liver enzyme production
47
Describe the pathophysiology of SIRS
Breakdown of the intestinal barrier -> large amounts of bacteria and toxins enter portal circulation -> hepatic clearance mechanisms are overwhelmed Initiates a cascade of inflammatory mediators (macrophages) Results in clinical syndrome
48
What 4 clinical alterations does SIRS cause?
``` Haemodynamic alterations (shock, reduced CO) Coagulopathy Metabolic derangements (hypermetabolism, tissue hypoxia, lactic acidaemia) Remote organ dysfunction (GI, integument - laminitis, kidneys) ```
49
Why does laminitis occur as a result of SIRS?
SIRS causes remote organ dysfunction, which affects the integument including hoof lamellae Inflammation/endothelial damage and damage to extracellular matrix -> laminitis
50
Which salmonella serotype is most commonly isolated from cases of diarrhoea in horses?
S. typhimurium
51
Give some sources of infection of salmonellosis leading to diarrhoea
Asymptomatic shedders/diseased horses Environmental factors/stressors can increase shedding eg high temp, hospitalisation, transport, antibiotics, GI surgery, immunosuppression
52
How does salmonella affect blood sodium levels?
Causes hypersecretion -> low blood sodium
53
Which toxins does salmonellosis produce?
Endotoxins (haemodynamic and haemostatic effects) Cytotoxins (cause morphological damage and increase penetration of mucosa) Enterotoxins (increase sodium and water secretion)
54
Describe the clinical syndrome of salmonellosis
Septicaemia | Marked neutropenia, hyponatraemia (low sodium due to hypersecretion), leukopenia, dehydration
55
How do you diagnose salmonellosis as a cause of diarrhoea?
Faecal cultures (at least 5 samples) 5-10g Transport to lab in selenite broth
56
Give some antibiotics that can cause antibiotic-induced diarrhoea?
Penicillin Ceftiofur Trimethoprim sulpha Oxytetracycline
57
Give some clinical signs of antibiotic-induced diarrhoea
Mild transient diarrhoea with no systemic effects Severe, sudden enterocolitis May be haemorrhagic
58
Which bacteria may overgrow as a result of antibiotic-induced diarrhoea?
Clostridium difficile
59
How would you diagnose antibiotic-induced diarrhoea?
History | Faecal-gram stain for C. difficile (or C. difficile toxin assay)
60
How do you treat antibiotic-induced diarrhoea?
Withdraw specific antibiotic Metronidazole Supportive therapy (fluids, anti-inflammatories)
61
What complications would you tell an owner to expect if their horse has acute diarrhoea?
Laminitis Thrombophlebitis Risk of haemodynamic renal failure Low risk of chronic diarrhoea
62
What will the PCV ranges be if a horse has diarrhoea and has lost 4-7% BW, and 7-9% BW? What is the fluid deficit in each case?
4-7%: 40-50% Fluid deficit: 25-35L | 7-9%: 50-65% Fluid deficit: 40-50L
63
How would you treat a horse which has acute diarrhoea that has lost >9% BW?
``` Hypertonic saline (as in state of shock-cold extremities, weak) 2-4ml/kg 7% NaCl (1-2L/500kg) ```
64
What colloids could you give to a horse with acute diarrhoea? What is a problem with these?
Hetastarch, dextrans, plasma | Lack additional factors which are depleted during SIRS, esp clotting factors
65
What is calcium bound to in the blood?
Albumin
66
What is commonly added to Hartmanns in horses with acute diarrhoea?
Potassium | May need Ca if prolonged anorexia
67
How would you treat SIRS?
NSAIDs eg flunixin meglumine 0.5-1mg/kd BID
68
Which antibiotic would you give to a horse with acute diarrhoea if you suspected clostridial diarrhoea?
Metronidazole
69
Give some indications for medical treatment of colic
``` Mild-moderate pain HR <50 bpm Good response to analgesia No net reflux GI motility is continuing/improving Resolving/no abdominal distension Normal peritoneal fluid (check WBCC, lactate, colour) Normal PCV/TP and systemic lactate ```
70
If a horse with colic is unresponsive to analgesia, what should you consider?
Surgery | Euthanasia
71
Why is phenylephrine given in colic cases of left dorsal displacement of the large colon?
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist | Causes splenic contraction -> spleen reduces in size ->allows colon to relocate
72
Which NSAIDs might you give to medically manage a horse with colic?
Phenylbutazone Flunixin meglumine Metimazole (Buscopan compositum)
73
What is the duration of flunixin meglumine and phenylbutazone (NSAIDs) used to treat colic?
12 hours
74
Which is the most potent NSAID to use for treating colic? | Why should you not use it as first line treatment though?
Flunixin meglumine Can mask increases in HR caused by SIRS, so should use phenylbutazone as first line treatment instead Should not use where there is mild/moderate pain of an unknown cause
75
What should you look out for when using flunixin meglumine to treat colic?
Can mask increase in HR caused by SIRS (endotoxaemia)
76
Why should you not administer phenylbutazone peri-vascularly?
Can cause site swelling
77
Which alpha-2 agonists can you use to treat colic?
Xylazine Romifidine Detomidine
78
What is romifidine usually combined with when treating colic?
Butorphanol
79
How much analgesia does Romifidine provide in the colic case?
2-4 hours
80
How much analgesia does detomidine provide in the colic case?
2-4 hours
81
Which opiates can you use to medically manage colic?
Butorphanol (usually combined with detomidine; useful in moderate-severely painful cases) Pethidine (uncommonly used) Morphine (potent but not appropriate)
82
What is butylscopolamine? | What are the 2 different forms?
Smooth muscle relaxant 2 forms: -Buscopan -Buscopan compositum (combined with NSAID metimazole)
83
When is butylscopolamine indicated?
Spasmodic colic/mild colic pain | Useful when performing rectal exam
84
When is it acceptable to give flunixin in a colic case?
When referral is not an option and the horse is exhibiting moderate/severe pain When an exact diagnosis is known and medical treatment is appropriate eg pelvic flexure impaction When the decision to refer has already been made
85
What other medical therapies can you use to treat colic?
Oral fluid therapies (nasogastric intubation) Liquid paraffin Psyllium
86
How much oral fluids should you give to a horse with colic?
4-6 litres water (500kg horse) with electrolytes every 4 hours by nasogastric administration
87
What are the benefits of giving oral fluids to a colic case?
Stimulates gastrocolic reflex (provides some stomach distension, stimulates colonic motility) Provides hydration provided there is no reflux Hydrates ingesta assisting resolution of large colon impactions
88
Which kinds of colic should you treat medically?
Pelvic flexure impaction Nephrosplenic entrapment Sand colic
89
Describe spasmodic colic | How would you treat it?
Mild pain due to intestinal spasm Most frequent colic diagnosis Normal CV parameters Tx: butylscopolamine +/- NSAID (metimazole)
90
Describe pelvic flexure impaction | How would you treat it?
Common, more so in stabled horses Mild/moderate pain Rectal exam: firm structure on LHS of caudal abdomen Tx: oral fluid therapy, surgery may be required
91
Describe nephrosplenic entrapment/left dorsal displacement | How would you treat it?
Large colon trapped between spleen and left kidney More common in Wambloods/large horses Splenic blood supply may be compromised, spleen may be enlarged Tx: analgesia (phenylbutazone-NSAID or alpha-2 agonists). Phenylephrine infusion given over 15 mins (reduces spleen size, large colon should reposition itself)
92
How would you diagnose nephrosplenic entrapment (left dorsal displacement)?
Ultrasound: failure to see left kidney and spleen -> gas-distended large colon seen instead
93
When may surgery be required to treat colic cases?
Severe/worsening pain Deteriorating CV parameters Non-responsive to treatment
94
How does sand cause colic?
Irritates the colon, causing diarrhoea/recurrent mild colic Acts as a weight Can cause impactions within the colon and colon displacement/torsion
95
How do you diagnose sand colic?
Sand in faeces 'Seashore' sound on auscultation Sand on abdominocentesis
96
How do you treat sand colic?
Remove source of sand Provide plenty of forage +/- psyllium (efficacy debated)
97
Give a common cause of colic in neonates
Meconium retention
98
How would you treat meconium retention in neonates?
Soapy water/commercial enema (phosphate or acetylcysteine), foley catheter and 50ml syringe Sedate foal and keep hind limbs elevated for 30 mins
99
What advice would you give over the phone to an owner of a horse you've just treated medically for colic?
Remove feed and leave water with horse Ask for an update in 2 hrs (or sooner if colic recurs) If horse responds to tx: offer small amounts of food once faeces are passed (and increase back to normal over 24 hrs) If horse does not respond to tx: repeat visit
100
Give some indications for euthanasia of the colic case
Uncontrollable pain despite potent analgesia Severe CV compromise (HR >90bpm, PCV >60%, purple mm) Gastrointestinal rupture (brown/red ingesta-contaminated peritoneal fluid, profuse sweating, sudden reduction in pain
101
Gastrointestinal rupture usually occurs along which part of the GI tract?
Greater curvature of stomach
102
Give some indications for colic surgery
``` Severe, unrelenting pain Recurrence of pain despite moderate-potent analgesia HR >60bpm Net reflux >2L Deteriorating CV parameters, worsening PCV Reduced intestinal mobility Increased abdominal distension Deteriorating peritoneal fluid values ```
103
Give some common types of surgical colic
``` SI: -Pedunculated lipoma (lipoma wraps around a loop of SI -> cuts off blood supply) -Epiploic foramen entrapment Caecum Large colon: -Large colon displacements -Large colon torsion Small colon ```
104
In what position are most colic cases performed?
Dorsal recumbency | Midline laparotomy
105
Which organs can we not exteriorise during colic surgery?
``` Stomach Duodenum Base of caecum/terminal ileum Parts of right dorsal and ventral colons Transverse colon Very proximal and distal parts of small colon Rectum ```
106
How often should you check on a colic case after surgery?
Every 4 hours
107
What should you check when doing a colic check after surgery?
``` Observation: -Pain/attitude -Defecation/urination Clinical parameters: -TPR/GIT sounds/digital pulses -PCV/TP -Check incision and catheter site ```
108
Give some potential complications of colic surgery
``` Colic Post-operative ileus (obstruction of ileum) Thrombophlebitis Incisional infection/dehiscence Diarrhoea Laminitis Incisional hernia development (uncommon) ```
109
How much box rest should a horse have after colic surgery? | How should it then be exercised?
8 weeks box rest with in-hand walking 2-3 times daily 8 weeks turnout in a small yard or paddock Normal turnout and gradual return to normal exercise over 6-8 weeks
110
When should skin sutures be removed after colic surgery?
10-14 days post-op (by referring vet)
111
When does the highest rate of death occur following colic surgery?
First week after surgery
112
How does Strongylus vulgaris cause colic?
- Causes thrombosis of cranial mesenteric artery | - Non-strangulating infarction
113
Describe post-worming colic
Occurs following anthelmintic treatment of horses with high worm burdens -> inflammation of the GI tract
114
Give some clinical signs of cyathostominosis
``` Weight loss Hypoalbuminaemia Diarrhoea Intussusceptions (caecocaecal, caecocolic) High mortality ```
115
Which colic types are associated with tapeworms?
Anoplocephala perfoliata - Spasmodic colic - Ileal impactions - Caecal intussesceptions
116
Give some clinical signs of ascarid infection
Parascaris equorum - Weight loss/unthriftiness - SI obstruction and colic - Can be associated with high mortality despite surgical intervention
117
Give a clinical sign of oxyuris equi (pinworm) infection
Peri-rectal irritation (tail rubbing)
118
Eggs of bots (gasterophilus intestinalis) are seen where during the summer months?
Legs | Incidental finding, no clinical significance
119
What factors must you consider when contemplating colic surgery?
- Ability to travel - Role of horse - Economics/insurance - Perceptions of animals ability to cope (eg if older) - Emotional concern-potential outcomes - What will happen post-surgery?
120
What is the mortality rate for colic?
6-15% (up to 30% of surgical cases)
121
What is the incidence of colic?
3.5-10.6 cases/100 horses per year
122
Approximately what percentage of colic cases are surgical?
7-9%
123
Give some specifictypes of colic
- Spasmodic/medical - Pedunculated lipomas - Large colon torsion - Large colon impaction - Epiploic foramen entrapment - Grass sickness
124
Give some risk factors for colic which are associated with feeding
-Change in diet -Increased concentrate in feed -Restricted access to water -Poor quality hay/change in batch -CHO overload Changes to new types of feed should be GRADUAL
125
Give some risk factors for colic which are associated with management
- Increased time spent stabled - Change in exercise level - Decreased time spent at pasture - Decreased access to water - Transport increases risk - Dental disease
126
Give some risk factors for colic which are associated with parasites
Poor parasite control: - Strongylus vulgaris - Cyathostomes (diarrhoea, intussussceptions) - Ascarids (intestinal obstruction on foals) - Tapeworms-anoplocephala perfoliata (spasmodic colic and ileal impaction)
127
Give some risk factors for colic which are associated with the horse itself
- Previous colic (5-10 times more at risk) - Age? - Behaviour: crib-biting, wind-sucking (colonic obstruction, epiploic foramen entrapment, recurrent colic)
128
Which factors make a horse more at risk of pedunculated lipoma strangulation?
- Older animals - Ponies more so than horses - Fat animals - Geldings more so than mares
129
Which factors make a horse more at risk of large colon torsion?
- Mares (post-foaling) - Larger horses - Increased - Dental disease - Feed (esp changes)
130
Which factors make a horse more at risk of large colon impaction?
- Increased stabling (eg winter months, box rest) | - Straw bedding
131
What is the prognosis like for large colon impaction?
Good (possibly worse in donkeys and older animals)
132
Which factors make a horse more at risk of epiploic foramen entrapment?
- Seasonal: Dec, Jan, Feb (increased stabling, feed changes, less turnout) - Crib biting/wind sucking
133
Give some post-operative complications that can occur after colic surgery
- Ileus - Surgical site infection - Jugular thrombosis
134
Give the clinical signs of acute grass sickness
- Colic - Reflux - Tachycardia - SI distension - Sweating - Salivation - Difficulty swallowing
135
Give the clinical signs of chronic grass sickness
- Weight loss - Dysphagia - Tachycardia - Patchy sweating - Muscle fasiculation
136
What age of horse is typically affected by grass sickness?
Young horses (3-5 yrs)
137
During which season does grass sickness typically occur?
Spring (esp April/May)
138
Give some management risk factors for grass sickness
- Access to grass (longer time at pasture) - Recent change in pasture - Pasture disturbance - Element levels in soil
139
What is thought to be the cause of grass sickness?
Clostridium botulism type C (found in soil)
140
Give the normal values for the following measurements on abdominocentesis: TP Lactate WBCC
TP: <20g/L Lactate: <2mmol/L WBCC: <5x10^9/L
141
Where do you take an abdominocentesis sample from?
Lowest point of midline; 10cm caudal to xiphoid, 5-10cm to right of midline
142
What does normal peritoneal fluid look like? | What tube should you put it in when doing an abdominocentesis?
Pale yellow, clear | EDTA tube
143
What may you want to check in a pony which has already colicked a couple of times?
Dental exam
144
How thick should the intestinal wall be?
3mm
145
How would albumin levels change with IBD?
Hypoalbuminaemia
146
What would you suspect if a horse chooses to eat forage over concentrates and has poor performance?
Gastric ulcers (concentrates lower pH as they rapidly ferment -> VFAs)