Abdominal Pain in Small Animals Flashcards
What are the causes of abdominal pain in small animals?
Surgical Foreign body obstruction Pyometra Dystocia GDV Intussusception Uroabdomen Splenic torsion Strangulating hernia
Medical Pancreatitis Gastroenteritis GI Ulceration Ileus Acute hepatitis Pyelonephritis Hypoadrenocorticism
How would you approach an abdominal pain case?
- History
- Physical exam
- PCV/TP/BG, electrolytes, BUN, CBC + smear, abdominal radiography and ultrasonography
What mechanisms cause abdominal pain?
1) Distension e.g. neoplasia
2) Traction e.g. torsion
3) Ischaemia e.g. infarct
4) Inflammation e.g. gastroenteritis
What should you be looking for during abdominal palpation?
Pain
Masses
Fluid fill, tympany
What should you be looking for during examination of the oral cavity…
FB
Orals
Icterus
Colour
What can cause septic peritonitis in SAs?
GI
+ Intussception
+ Obstruction
+ GDV
Uterine rupture
Prostatic abscess rupture
Post-surgery
In what situation can a pyometra be left?
If it is open
What types of medical management are there for acute abdominal pain?
IV fluids ABs Antiemtics Gastroprotectants Nutritional Other specific txs
What analgesia options exist for GI issues?
Pure opioids (methdone, morphine, fentanyl)
Partial agonist opioids (buphrenorphine)
Why should you avoid NSAIDs in GI cases?
Risk of GI ulceration
Risk of kidney injury
May need surgery
What are the pro’s and con’s of using an opioid in GI cases?
Pro - very good analgesia, reversible. sedatopm. constant rate infusion (CRI)
Con - sedation, decrease GIT motility, nausea, injectable
What are the pro’s and con’s of using a partial agonist opioid?
Pro - good analgesia, minimal sedation, less effect on GIT motility (than opioids), good transmucosal absorption in cats
Con - some sedation, can decrease GIT motility
What can affect pancreatic lipase?
Pancreatitis
Hepatitis
Peritonitis
What are six possible medical treatments for peritonitis?
Intravenous fluids: shock/dehydration Antiemetics Gastroprotectants Antibiotics: infection Nutrition Treatment for toxins
