Other GI conditions

Question 1

Abdominal trauma can be due to penetrations, punctures or blunt trauma. How can you check for GI rupture?

Answer 1

Abdominocentesis

Red/brown fluid containing ingesta

Question 2

Carbohydrate overload is due to large quantities of grain or concentrates. It can be fatal - early, aggressive treatment is key. What treatment should be given?

Answer 2

Early treatment: lavage gastric contents with warm water until only water retrieved (<2 hours after ingestion) Can give charcoal, flunixin and cryotherapy for feet
Later treatment (once signs of SIRS develop) should be aggressive intense medical/surgical Tx and referral

Question 3

The prognosis following carbohydrate overload can be poor, especially if there are what clinical signs?

Answer 3

Laminitis

Colic

Question 4

Choke in horses is due to oesophageal obstruction. What two areas are prone to obstruction?

Answer 4

Proximal cervical
Distal cervical (thoracic inlet)

Question 5

What are the clinical signs of choke?

Answer 5

Coughing
Ptyalsim (XS saliva)
Dysphagia (food/saliva at nostrils)
Repeated neck flexion/extension

Question 6

How is choke treated?

Answer 6

Take all food/water away - monitor for 30 mins. If no improvement get vet
Most clear spontaneously. If not - NG tube with warm water and repeat. Abs if at risk of inhalation pneumonia
If still not clear - endoscopy or lavage/surgery under GA

Question 7

Haemoabdomen is a painful condition usually secondary to trauma or parturition. Why can mares get haemo-abdomen after parturition?

Answer 7

Rupture of middle uterine artery

Question 8

What is the diagnosis and management for haemo-abdomen?

Answer 8

Abdominocentesis

Referral

Question 9

Body wall hernias can result in colic if the intestine becomes entrapped. What is the treatment?

Answer 9

Surgical repair

May be difficult if extensive - PTS?

Question 10

Incisional hernias can occur following colic surgeries. What is the biggest risk factor for this?

Answer 10

Incisional infection (wound breakdown)

Question 11

Incisional hernias often do not cause problems, but may pose a risk of trauma to viscera. How can they be treated?

Answer 11

Conservatively: box rest with hernia belt
Surgically: prosthetic mesh placement

Question 12

How are mandibular fractures treated in horses?

Answer 12

Surgery: intra-oral wiring

Question 13

What clinical signs may you see if you suspect oesophageal tears or perforation?

Answer 13

Marked swelling and crepitus in LEFT cervical region

Question 14

Cardiovascular parameters deteriorate rapidly following oesophageal tears or perforation. What is the prognosis?

Answer 14

Guarded to hopeless

Question 15

What can cause oesophageal tears?

Answer 15

Trauma - iatrogenic

Or secondary to pathology (oesophageal diverticulum)

Question 16

Rectal prolapses are secondary to prolonged straining in horses due to diarrhoea, colic, parasites, proctitis, masses and more. How are the different grades treated?

Answer 16

Grades 1-3: reduce tissue, address cause

Grades 4: surgery (poor prognosis)

Question 17

Thoracic wall injuries can cause pneumothorax and respiratory distress. What should be the first thing to do when suspecting a penetration?

Answer 17

Wrap thorax in clingfilm

Manage once stable

Question 18

Tongue injuries can be caused by inappropriate tack or tongue twitch use. How are they treated?

Answer 18

Sedate and examine
If partial thickness, conservative Tx
If full thickness, suture or refer