Chapter 119 - gastrointestinal haemorrhage Flashcards
3 pathological processes of GI bleeding
ulceration, coagulopathy, vascular anomaly (rare in vet med)
commonly reported GI tumours in cats?
systemic mastocytosis, gastrinoma, intestinal lymphoma, adenocarcinoma
most common coagulation disorder leading to GI haemorrhage
thrombocytopenia
bacterial infections associated with GI ulceration & haemorrhage
salmonella, clostridium, campylobacter, +/- helicobacter
expected cbc findings with chronic GI haemorrhage
microcytic, hypochroic anemia (normocytic normochromic if more recent)
is BUN elevated with large bowel haemorrhage?
usually has little effect
rule outs for positive fecal occult blood test
occult GI haemorrhage. diets high in red meat, diets high in peroxidase activity (fish, fruits, vegetables), presence of peroxidase-producing bacteria
gative fecal occult blood test rules out significant GI haemorrhage
very sensitive so yes
when is serum gastrin indicated?
recurrent GI ulceration, failure to respond to medical therapy
can ultrasound be used to detect GI ulceration?
yes, and monitor resolution with therapy
algal cause of GI ulceration?
Prototheca
fungal causes of GI ulceration?
pythium, histoplasma
if basic imaging and scoping fails to find source of GI bleeding, what other diagnostic options are there?
ex lap, scintigraphy using technetium-labeled RBCs and arteriography (for GI vascular anomalies)
why is iced saline gastric lavage no longer recommended for gastric hemorrhage?
not proven to work, discomfort, can cause hypothermia (prolongs bleeding in experimental canine studies)
options for ulcer hemostasis during endoscopy?
epinephrine or 98% alcohol injected by endoscope sclerotomy needle into the base of the ulcer +/- fibrin/thrombin injections, endoclips, endoscopic cautery (thermal, electric or laser)
