approach to the pt with abdo pain

Question 1

list common presenting history and clinical signs for a horse with colic

Answer 1

• anorexia/reduced feed intake
• pawing
• flank watching
• lying down/kicking (quiet vs thrashing/rolling)
• sweating
• reduced droppings
• quiet/depressed
• lowered head position

Question 2

explain aetiology and pthogenesis of the horse with colic

Answer 2

• anatomy of equine GIT predisposes the horse to certan types of colic
• gelding are more at risk of pedunculated lipomas
• horses with larger abdomens/mares after foaling at risk due to more space
• recent management changes = risk

Question 3

list common differentials for colic

Answer 3

• large colon displacements (RDD, L, nephrosplenic, PF retroversion)
• large colon volvulus
• strangulated SI
• colon impaction

Question 4

list diagnostic options for colic

Answer 4

• physical exam and bloodwork (less likely to do BW because dont have time)
• rectal exam
• nasogastric intubation
• transabdominal ultrasound/abdominocentesis

Question 5

list common presenting history and clinical signs of abdominal pain in cattle

Answer 5

• milk drop
• pain
• anorexia
• bloat
• weight loss
• ileus

Question 6

what is the aetiology/pathogenesis of abdominal pain in cattle

Answer 6

the anatomy of the ruminant GIT predisposes to some of these conditions

Question 7

list common differentials of abdominal pain in cattle

Answer 7

• abomasal ulcers
• bloat
• displaced abomasum (with/without volvulus)
• traumatic reticuloperitonitis
• vagal indigestion

Question 8

list diagnostic options for ruminants with abdominal pain

Answer 8

• abdominal ausculation and percussion
• rectal exam
• wither pinch

Question 9

list common presenting history and clinical signs of abdominal pain in the dog

Answer 9

• lethargic
• lack of appetite
• off colour/not acting themselves
• praying posture
• doesnt like being lifted or touched
• diarrhea/vomiting
• bloating
• dehydration

Question 10

discuss aetiology and pathogenesis of abdominal pain in the dog

Answer 10

• repeated V/D
• inflamamtion
• FB
• build up of gas
• organ dysfunction

Question 11

list comon differentials for abdominal pain in the dog

Answer 11

loads
- GDV
- trauma
- pancreatitis
- FB
- intusseption
- IBD
- ddx for V/D
- gastric ulcers
- chronic organ dz’s

Question 12

how would you approach treatment of a dog with abdo pain

Answer 12

• pain releif (NOT NSAIDS) = opioids or acetaminophen (never give to cats)
• diet
• IVFT
• anti emetics
• probiotics

Question 13

how would you diagnose abdo pain in a dog

Answer 13

• clinical exam (temp, palpation, CRT, mucus membranes, skin tent
• trial symptomatic tx (only if not too sick)
• imaging
• bloods
• gastroscope/exlap