c) wc 30-Sept-13 ALIMENTARY WEEK 2 Flashcards
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that results from eating a diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess (too high in intake), or in the wrong proportions.
Why is malnutrition a problem is sick animals?
The metabolic response to illness places animals at greater risk to malnutrition. This can compromise wound healing and the immune system
What is the classical sign of nausea in cats and dogs?
Cats: Hypersalivating
Dog: Repeated licking of their lips
What are the two methods of feeding the malnourished animal?
Enteral feeding tube.
Or Parenteral feeding (IV feeding)
Why might total protein be higher in a plasma sample than a serum sample?
Plasma sample is anticoagulated so contains clotting factors i.e. contains fibrinogen
Three processes that might increase total protein?
Inflammation, Neoplasia, Dehydration
Explain what makes up TOTAL PROTEIN
Globulin and Albumin
Globulin: Inflamm if polyclonal. Myeloma (neoplasia) if monoclonal.
Albumin- increased with dehydration
Which breed of dog are microcytic erythrocytes common?
Microcytic = smaller than normal. Common in Akitas
In which condition is microcytosis common?
Iron deficiency anemia
Why can cells not be hyperchromic?
Haemolysis occurs
2 reasons for regenerative anemia
Haemorrage or Haemolysis
Normal reticulocyte percentage in Cats/ Dogs. Why is corrected reticulocyte important??
Dog: 45%
Cat: 35%. Important to correct because in anemia it is relatively higher. If more than 1% in dog = regen anemia
If more than >0.4% in cat= regen anemia
By what action does metaclopromide work?
Dopamine antagonist therefore anti-emetic and pro-kinetic
Example of an emetic
Removes non-corrosive poisons (c.f. activated charcoal that absorbs)
e.g. apomorphine (dopamine AGONIST)
Why are gastric ulcers in horses common?
They can’t have an empty stomach. If they are fed once a day = ulcer formation.
Antacids: MgCO3, NaHCO3, Al(OH)3
Protein pump inhibitor: omeprazole
Gastric mucosa protector: Sucralfate
Main two things that you have to differentiate between when assessing fluid requirements for a patient?
Hypovolemia or dehydration?
Hypovolemia: CRT, MM colour
Is the majority of fluid in extracellular fluid or intracellular fluid?
ECF: 1/3 TBW
ICF: 2/3 TBW
Total body water = 60% of weight
Main difference between crystalloids and colloids
Crystalloids: Smaller particles that readily diffuse across membrane
Colloids: Larger particles which influence oncotic pressure. Blood/Plasma is a natural colloid
What fluid would be used for severe intracranial hypertension?
Hypertonic fluids.
Must have normal interstitual fluid volumes i.e. trauma patients. Not useful in dehydrated animals
What is the daily maintenance requirement for a normal animal?
40-60ml/kg/day
Define: Tenesmus and Haematochezia
Tenesmus: Ineffectual straining
Haematochezia: Fresh blood in stool
What is the cut off point when deciding if the diarrhoea is acute or chronic?
OVER THREE WEEKS = CHRONIC
How can colalbumin be used to assess which part of GI is affected?
Colalbumin is absorbed in the ilium, if blood test and it is LOW then you know ilium is affected
How do you distinguish large intestinal from small intestinal diarrhoea?
SMALL: Larger volume, weight loss, gen condition
LARGE: Dyschezia, urgency (increased frequency), tenesmus, mucus
If large intestinal = confined to colon
If small = GI or extra GI
DDx for ACUTE small intestinal diarrhoea without systemic signs
Diet, helminth, protozoa, iatrogenic
DDx for Chronic small intestinal
GI (Giardia, chronic partial obstruction, lymphacteria, neoplasm, food responsive diet) or extra GI (metabolic or pancreatic)
DDx for chronic large intestinal
IBD, Polyps, Neoplasm, partial obstruction
