Colic Flashcards
Windsucking and crib-biting increase the likelihood of which colics?
Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE)
Simple colonic obstruction distension (SCOD)
Bermuda hay increases the likelihood of which colic?
Ileal impaction
Changing feed within a 2 week period increases the likelihood of which colics?
Large colon volvulus (LCV)
General colic
Lack of dental care increases the likelihood of which colics?
Simple colonic obstruction distension (SCOD)
Large colon volvulus (LCV)
When should you consider euthanasia of a horse?
Uncontrollable pain despite analgesia CV compromise (HR > 90, PCV >60, mucus membranes purple) GI rupture (progressive/marked CV deterioration, sweating, sudden pain reduction, red/brown peritoneal fluid with ingesta)
When does epiploic foramen entrapment usually occur? What behaviour/management changes is it linked with?
December-February
Crib-biting/wind-sucking, changing feed, turning out
What is equine grass sickness? What pathogen is it linked with?
Equine dysautonomia - a polyneuropathy affecting the CNS and PNS
Botulism - Clostridium botulinum type C
The clinical signs of Equine Grass Sickness (Equine Dysautonomia) are due to neuronal degeneration in the autonomic and enteric nervous system. How is EGS diagnosed?
Clinical signs
Histology of ileal biopsy
What are the clinical signs of acute Equine Grass sickness?
Colic - reflux, distension Tachycardia Sweating Salivation Difficulty swallowing Ptosis
What are the clinical signs of chronic Equine Grass Sickness?
Weight loss Tachycardia Dysphagia Patchy sweating Muscle fasciulations Rhinitis Altered stance - greyhound/elephant on barrel
What horses are prone to Equine Grass Sickness? (age, time of year)
Young horses (2-7 yrs) At pasture - Spring/Autumn Mechanical faeces removal
How can Equine Grass Sickness be prevented?
Avoid turning out to pastures with previous EGS
Supplement with hay/haylage
What is the treatment for Equine Grass Sickness?
No treatment- PTS
How are gastric ulcers diagnosed?
Gastroscopy
Fast for 16 hours
How are gastric ulcers treated?
Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor)
Ranitidine/cimetidin (histamine receptor antagonist)
Sucralfate (binds to ulcer)
Large colon distension/displacement causes mild-moderate pain. How is it treated initially?
Medically
Surgery if worsening
What are the risk factors for large colon impaction? (Management, time of year, bedding)
Change in management (stabling or box rest)
Autumn
Straw bedding
Large colon impaction is more severe in which animals?
Older horses
Donkeys
Large colon volvulus is common in what type of horses?
Large horses
Mares post-foaling
What are the risk factors for large colon volvulus?
Increased stabling
Dental disease - quidding 90 days prior
Food changes
Meconium retention in neonates is the failure to pass normal black faeces. How is it treated?
Soapy water or phosphate enema Elevated HLs for 30 mins Remove feed (leave water) If passes faeces, offer small amounts of food and return to normal ration. If not passing faeces repeat