Lecture 31 4/8/25 Flashcards
What are the differentials for ptyalism in horses?
-pain
-dental dz
-foreign body
-mucosal ulceration
-slaframine/clover toxicity
What are the differentials for dysphagia in horses?
-pain
-obstruction
-neurologic
-muscular
-oral
-pharyngeal
-esophageal
What are the main diagnostics when horses present with ptyalism and/or dysphagia?
-good oral exam
-radiographs
What are the characteristics of equine saliva?
-typically produce 20 to 40 L a day
-horses off feed may only produce 10 to 12 L a day
-high in electrolytes, including Na, Cl, bicarb, K, Ca, and Mg
What are the characteristics of slaframine aka slobbers?
-caused by the mycotoxin Rhizoctonia leguminicola
-likes to grow on colver and sometimes alfalfa
-can be found on pasture or in stored hay
What are the clinical signs of slaframine?
-signs that begin within 1 to 3 hours
-lots of salivation
-lacrimation
-colic
-diarrhea
What is the treatment for slaframine?
-remove animal from source
-signs should resolve in 48 to 72 hours
What are the potential salivary gland disorders?
*obstruction of parotid duct
-rare, but can occur with sialoliths or infection
*wounds
*neoplasia
-adenocarcinoma
-acinar cell tumors
-melanoma
-benign mixed
What are the characteristics of dysphagia?
-difficulty swallowing
-often extended to abnormalities of prehension, mastication or swallowing
What are the oral or pharyngeal problems that can cause dysphagia?
-dental disease
-foreign body
-cleft palate
-abscess (pharyngeal, retropharyngeal)
-guttural pouch empyema
-neurologic problems
-nutritional myodegeneration
What are potential neurologic problems that can lead to dysphagia?
-guttural pouch disease
-equine protozoal myeloneuropathy
-yellow star thistle
-botulism
-rabies
-tetanus
-temporohyoid osteoarthropathy
-lead or mercury intoxication
What is the approach to a patient with dysphagia?
-history and signalment
-PE
-thorough oral exam
-endoscopic exam
-radiographs
-neurologic exam
What are the diagnostics for dysphagia?
-passage of NG tube to try and relieve esophageal choke
-soft diet
-recurrence of esophageal obstruction indicates ulceration, stricture, megaesophagus, or functional problem
What are the general characteristics of the equine esophagus?
-cervical, thoracic, and abdominal parts
-125 to 200 cm long
-proximal portion is striated
-distal portion is smooth
-four layers; mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa
What are the characteristics of choke?
-most common esophageal disorder
-esophageal obstruction
-typically caused by feed
What are the predisposing factors for choke?
-dental abnormalities
-greedy eaters
-eating while sedated
-dietary factors/esp. pelleted diet
-bolus medications
-underlying abnormalities
What are the clinical signs of choke?
-ptyalism
-feed-tinged nasal discharge
-anxiety
-swelling in neck
-“retching” or coughing
How is choke diagnosed?
-passage of NG tube or endoscope
-radiography
What is the treatment for choke?
-remove feed and water
-maintain hydration via IV
-sedate to decrease anxiety
-lower head to prevent aspiration
-lavage
-oxytocin
-N-butylscopolammonium bromide
-general anesthesia and lavage and/or surgery
-may resolve on its own
What is the aftercare for choke?
-possible NSAIDs
-possible antibiotics
-possible sucralfate
-return to feed slowly
-scoping after resolution to remove material/prevent recurrence as needed
What are the potential complications of choke?
-recurrence
-mucosal ulcers
-aspiration pneumonia (risk increases with duration)
-stricture
-diverticula
-esophageal perforation
What are the prevention steps for choke?
-slow grain feeder/place rocks/blocks in grain bucket
-frequent feedings of small amounts
-feed changes/soaking feed
-regular dental care
What are other esophageal problems besides choke?
-stricture
-diverticula
-perforation
-megaesophagus/motility disorder
-esophagitis
-esophageal cyst
-idiopathic muscular hypertrophy
-idiopathic gastroesophageal reflux
-esophageal neoplasia
How are esophageal problems diagnosed?
-endoscopy
-contrast radiography
