Colic

Question 1

What is colic?

Answer 1

most common emergencies, any condition causing abnormal pain

Question 2

Two categories of colic:

Answer 2

1. will resolve with minimal or no treatment
2. will not resolve with treatment

Question 3

Causes of colic:

Answer 3

• distention of the gut
• ischemia (inadequate blood supply)
• infarction (obstruction of blood supply)
• enteritis
• ulcers

Question 4

Clinical signs of colic:

Answer 4

• standing & lying down repeatedly
• rolling
• looking at the abdomen or kicking at the abdomen
• pawing
• grunting
• sweating
• distention of abdomen
• straining to urinate or defecate
• decreased gut sounds
• rapid breathing &/or flared nostrils
• lack of appetite

Question 5

Assessment for colic:

Answer 5

• pain
• attitude
• TPR, mm/CRT
• gastrointestinal motility

Question 6

How do you diagnose colic?

Answer 6

physical examination & history

Question 7

Treatment for colic:

Answer 7

• pain medication
• hand walking
• passing nasogastric tube to ensure fluid hasn’t built-up in stomach
• if minimal fluid, give mineral oil, laxatives (both relieve impaction), or water (rehydration) through the tube

Question 8

Is GI pain responsive?

Answer 8

Unresponsive to treatment and is a potentially life-threatening condition.

Question 9

Signs of severe pain with colic:

Answer 9

• throws self on ground
• bangs side of head on ground
• sedation: no effect
• history of severe pain
• abrasions (shown)
• dirt, hay, & mud in coat

Question 10

What does nasogastric intubation used for?

Answer 10

used to relieve accumulation of gas & fluid & to prevent gastric rupture