Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Canine And Feline Medicine > Gastrointestinal Disorders > Flashcards

Gastrointestinal Disorders Flashcards

(47 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is dysphagia

A

Difficulty eating and will typically occur in conjunction with other signs of oral or neuro disease
Dropping food from mouth when eating

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is regurgitation

A

Expulsion of food from the oesophagus

Will normally hold the cylindrical shape of the oesophagus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are some good questions to ask owners when trying to differentiate between dysphagia, regurgitation and vomiting

A 
Does the dog heave before this happens?
Yes- Vomit
No- regurg
Does the animal try to re-eat the material that comes out?
Yes- regurg
No- vomiting
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What signs do you expect to see and what diagnostic tests are you going to carry out with suspected oropharyngeal disease

A

Dysphgia, excessive salivation, inability to chew and weight loss (eating and losing weight)
Carry out a proper oral exam, do it under anaesthesia if you have to or biopsy, include under the tongue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What diagnostic tests are you going to carry out and what do you expect to see with suspected regurgitation

A

Plain and contrast radiography to check for oesophageal obstruction, vascular ring anomalies and strictures
Neuro exam to check for innervation to the distal oesophagus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What diagnostic tests are you going to carry out and what do you expect to see with suspected vomiting

A

Ask the owner questions about heaving and re-eating
Concurrent systemic signs with CBC and biochem
If blood tests are unremarkable, a primary GIT exam is warranted (faecal analysis, biopsy, imaging etc)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Diarrhoea and the elephant

Not all grey things are elephants but all elephants are grey

A

Not all small intestinal disease has diarrhoea but all large intestinal disease has diarrhoea

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the main mechanisms of diarrhoea

A

Hypersecretory
Maldigestion/malabsorption
Motility disorders

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are some important questions to ask an owner about diarrhoea to find out where it came from

A 
Is the animal straining?
Yes- large intestinal
No- small intestinal
Is there mucus in the faeces?
Yes- large intestinal
No- small intestinal
Have you noticed any weight loss?
Yes- small intestinal
No- large intestinal
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a Protein Losing Enteropathy

A

Syndrome, not a disease
Mainly small intestinal disease
Hypoproteinaemia (albumin)- cant do surgery because animal wont heal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How will you diagnose SI diarrhoea

A

Determine if malabsorption or PLE exsist with CBC and biochem
Abdo US, biopsy indicated?
Therapeutic trial with parasite control, diet modification and antibiotics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How will you diagnose LI diarrhoea

A

Dietary trial, parasite investigation and management

Diagnostic imaging and colonoscopy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How will you diagnose constipation

A

Dietary history- bones
Opioids predispose to constipation
Examine faeces and do a rectal
Can radiograph if necessary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How can you differentiate between a coagulopathy and GI lesion bleeding

A

Coagulopathy- assess platelets, coagulation profile, CBC, biochem and UA
Gastro lesion- rule out parvo and parasites, US abdo with FNA or scope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Are CBC, biochem and urinalysis useful in diagnosing GI disorders

A

More helpful in identifying extra-GIT causes but also helpful in finding out what is being lost from body
CBC- can detect anaemia and iron def from GI bleeding, sepsis and eosinophilia > parasites
If albumin and globulin low, probs being lost from GIT
Biochem- PLE, dehydration, electrolyes and extra-GIT disease
Urinalysis- PU/PD, concentrating ability

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Are cobalamin and folate useful diagnostic tools

A

No but can help guide treatment
If cobalamin is low may be SIBO
If folate is low may be severe disease
If folate is high, bacteria is making it in the SI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

When is and when isn’t plain radiography and ultrasound indicated

A

Plain radiography- GDV, megaoesophagus, SI obstruction, good with gas filled abdo. not useful for wall thickness of SI
US- useful in acute abdomen, detecting and sampling abdominal effusions. not useful when abdo is gas distended

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Compare the usefulness of ex lap and endoscopy in reference to obtaining biopsies

A

Endoscopy- can only biopsy certain areas and must take multiple small biopsys, good for foreign bodies
Ex lap- biopsy everything if you go in and can’t find anything wrong, can take full thickness biopsies but must suture every site

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What things should you consider before deciding whether or not to treat a patient with gastro signs

Study These Flashcards
A

Chronicity
Severity
Concurrent signs
Most likely DDx

20
Q

When would you take a conservative approach

Study These Flashcards
A

Mildly ill or fairly happy patient with self limiting or mild gastro signs may need minimal work up

21
Q

When would you decide that you need to admit this animal for treatment or further testing

Study These Flashcards
A

5%+ dehydrated and expected on going losses with patient not able or not willing to take oral fluids

22
Q

How much fluid would you give to a 10kg dog that has V&D and 5% dehydrated and what fluid would you use

Study These Flashcards
A

Use isotonic fluids as replacement fluids
Existing fluid deficeit- body weight x % dehydrated x1000
=500mL
Maintenance- 40-60mL/kg/day = 50mL/kg/day
=500mL/day
Estimated losses- 55-60mL/kg/day
=500mL/day
Ongoing losses- vomit and diarrhoea
=500mL
Therefore this dog will need 2000mL/day
83mL/hr

23
Q

How much potassium can you give and how long for

Study These Flashcards
A

0.5mEq/kg/hr on infusion is absolute max

24
Q

What diets can you consider in a patient with gastro

Study These Flashcards
A

Bland easily digestible diets- low fat and fibre like chicken and rice or Hills i/d is a good choice
High fibre diet- LI disease, cooked pumpkin, Metamucil
Hypoallergenic diets- not really that great
Hydrolysed hypoallergenic diet- better than above, pull the machinery apart and clean
Novel protein diets- must be home cooked, not convenient

25
What value should be calculated for every hospitalised patient and at what point should you consider tubing the animal
RER(kcal/day)= 30 x (kg BW) + 70 Should be divided into 3-4 small meals 48hr + anorexia you should consider a feeding tube
26
What are some different antiemetics and their modes of action
Maropitant- centrally acting, lasts 24hrs Metoclopramide- inhibits CRTZ and increases gastric motility, contraindicated in obstruction Ondansetron- serotonin receptor antagonist for severe vomiting
27
How might you induce emesis and when is it contraindicated
Apomorphine is good and safe. SC or conjunctival sac H2O2, damp ball of table salt Xylazine in cats and can be reversed Don't use if abnormal mentation or ingested substance is caustic
28
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of feline stomatitis/fauciitis
Many causes including foreign bodies and renal failure Dysphagia, salivation, anorexia, cant close mouth and weight loss are seen Diagnosed by history, oral exam, radiographs and systemic evaluation Treatment always depends on the underlying cause
29
Are most oral tumours benign or malignant and how should they be treated
Most are malignant and should be surgically excised with good margins
30
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of megaoesophagus in a dog
Can be due to neuropathy, NMJ or myopathy but normally idiopathic ‘Vomiting’ but actual regurgitation, weight loss and good apetite, aspiration pneumonia and may be other neurological deficits Do a full neuro exam, thoracic radiographs, fluoroscopy and bloods Upright feeding and dietary management or a gastrostomy tube may be beneficial
31
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of oesophagitis in a dog
Caused by reflux, persistent vomiting or foreign bodies Signs include regurg, drooling, reluctant to eat, ulcerated oral tissue Diagnose by diff regurg or vomit, plain and contrast radiographs, possible biopsy Treatment include proton pump inhibitors, metoclopramide to stop reflux, opioid for pain and may need feeding tube
32
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal obstruction
Most obstructions occur at thoracic inlet, base of heart or cranial to diaphragm from foreign bodies Acute regurg, pain, may have liquids but not food Diagnose by plain radiographs or oesophagoscopy which can also allow retrieval or push into stomach
33
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of vascular anomalies
Caused by persistence of embryonic aortic arch and squashes oesophagus Signs include regurg after weaning, poor growth and aspiration Diagnose by contrast oesophogram or oesophagoscopy Treated by surgical resection but may get stricture afterwards
34
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of acute gastritis
Dietary, FB, NSAIDs and viral/bacterial causes Acute onset of vomiting with or without blood, inappetant, no fever or pain Presumptive diagnosis but should rule out foreign body (only work up if been longer than 48hrs), US Treat with SC fluids if dehydrated and antiemetics
35
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Haemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Unknown aietiology- mainly small breed dogs Haematemesis and haematochezia Haemoconcentrated with normal TP and may progress to DIC Treat aggressively with fluid therapy and antibiotics are controversial
36
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of chronic gastritis
Possibly an immune reaction to foreign antigens More common in cats than dogs and have a reduced appetite and vomiting variable US to show mucosal thickening, gastroscopy and biopsy everything and examine vomitus for parasites Treat by response to dietary therapy by trying to increase gastric emptying, may need pred if biopsy confirms (last to add, first to remove) Diet > antibiotics > pred give in that order and take away in reverse
37
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Gastrointestinal ulceration/erosion (GUE)
Stress ulceration following shock, NSAIDs or extreme exertion Vomiting, anorexia, no abdo pain Presumptive diagnosis > upper GI bleeding without coagulopathy Symptomatic therapy and sucralfate
38
Outline a preoperative stabilisation plan for a dog with GDV. What complications in operative and perioperative period should be discussed
Stabilise the patient: balance between delaying the surgery and taking a highly compromised animal to surgery so give aggressive IV fluid therapy, give analgesia and decompress stomach if it is not going to delay the surgery You need to tell the owner that you are taking a compromised animal to surgery and it may not handle the anaesthesia and you may have to remove the spleen and part of the gastric wall if it isn’t viable
39
Outline a post-operative treatment plan for a dog that has just had GDV fixed with a gastropexy and splenectomy. Explain complications and monitoring you will use
Must monitor electrolytes, platelets, heart, ventricular arrhythmias common as well If not monitored dog can get DIC because of the cytokine release and reperfusion injury
40
What tips are you going to give the owner on preventing GDV
Don't feed close to vigorous exercise 2+ smaller feeds per day Don't feed solely dry food
41
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of acute enteritis
Infectious, dietary, parasites and unknown causes SI diarrhoea, abdo pain, anorexia and dehydration Dietary changes, parasite control, vaccination and hygiene Treat by re-establishing fluid losses, probiotics and antiemetics if needed
42
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of parvovirus
Caused by canine parvovirus Clinical features include bloody diarrhoea and vomiting + history of no vaccination and exposure, hookworm as well until proven otherwise Diagnosis is typically a cage side ELISA test that may not work if its too early in the disease or the faeces are already haemorrhagic (coats Abs), can use PCR Treatment includes barrier nursing, IV fluids, antibiotics and multiple anti-emetics
43
Explain the terms “antibiotic responsive enteropathy,” “dietary responsive enteropathy,” inflammatory bowel disease.” What do they have in common? How do they differ? How would you discriminate between them?
ARE (SIBO): allergic reaction due to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth with abnormal host response DRE: allergic reaction due to food intolerance IBD: anything that is not dietary or antibiotic responsive They all are a type of immune system reaction
44
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of intestinal lymphangiectasia
Lymphatic obstruction causing rupture of lymphatic vessels Inconsistent diarrhoea, transudative ascities and loss of anticoagulant protein Hypoalbuminaemia, need biopsies to diagnose Treat symptomatically, low fat diet and pred
45
What are some causes of PLE in dogs and cats
Dogs- IBD, lymphoma, hookworm, GI ulceration | Cats- lymphoplasmacytic IBD and intestinal lymphoma
46
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of lymphoplasmacytic colitis (LI IBD)
Cause is idiopathic normally Large bowel diarrhoea only sign except in cats, they have haematochezia Diagnose by ruling out other causes of LI diarrhoea Treat with hypoallergenic diet to start with then add antibiotics if unresponsive Prognosis better for LI IBD than SI IBD because of PLE
47
What is the cause, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of histiocytic ulcerative colitis
Caused by adherent and invasive E.coli facilitated by some sort of immune system dysfunction Present with chronic colitis and LI diarrhoea Diagnosis based on breed, cobblestone rectum on palpation Treat with enrofloxacin for minimum of 8wks

Canine And Feline Medicine (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions