Colic Flashcards
What is colic
Abdominal pain
Causes of colic
Strangulation
Torsion
Enteritis
Displacement
Herniation
Intussusecption
Gas
Impaction/obstruction
Clinical signs of colic
Change in droppings
Straining
Sweating
Rolling
Flank watching
Dull/depressed
Lip curling
Change in appetite
Teeth grinding
Getting up and down
Clinical signs of severe colic
Unrelenting pain
Abdominal distension
Heart rate>60
Discoloured mm
Delayed crt
Absence or reduction in 1 or more quarters
Cardiovascular compromise
Key questions to ask
Horse signalment
Behaviour (changes)
Environment/management changes
Parasitic treatment
Medical history
Is referral an option?
Currently - most recently normal? Faeces?
And treatments
Basic colic assessment includes
Heart rate
MM
CRT
Colour
Moistness
Gut sounds
Temperature
3 most frequent on yard diagnostics
Rectal
NG tube
Response to analgesia
Above what value is a critical amount of NG reflux
4 litres
Indications for NG tube
Spontaneous NG reflux
Distended SI
Suspect critical case
High HR
High RR
What is a grade 1 rectal tear
Mucosa submucosa torn
What is a grade 2 rectal tear
Muscular layer only torn
What is a grade 3 rectal tear
All layers torn except serosa or mesorectum
What is a grade 4 rectal tear
All layers torn
First aid for rectal years
Identify, acknowledge, inform owner
Reduce straining and contamination
Call for help
How to assess damage extent in rectal tears
Clear faeces then examine with ungloved hand
What should you warn the owner of before NG tubing
Epistaxis
What analgesic is commonly used to test response in colic
Flunixin
What additional tests would be performed in hospital for colic
Abdominocentesis
Ultrasound
What do you look for on abdominocentesis
TNCC >5x10^9 cells/L
Cytology
Lactate >2mmol/L
Glucose <2mm/L
C&S
Treatment options for colic
Medical
Surgical
Euthanasia
Types of colic that are always medical
Spasmodic
Gaseous
Anterior enteritis
Colitis
Gastric ulceration
Grass sickness (ileus)
Colic types that can be medical or surgical
Colon displacement
Colon impactions
Peritonitis
Non-GI lesions
Simple SI obstructions
Parasites
Colic types that are always surgical (or euthanasia)
SI/small colon incarceration
SI/small colon volvulus
Colon torsion
How long does flunixin act for
12 hours
What does hypothermia suggest (<37°)
Cardiovascular compromise and shock
What does green/brown peritoneal tap mean
Ruptured intestine
What does pink brown abdominocentesis mean
Compromised intestine
What are the 3 layers of closure in colic surgery
Linea alba
Subcutis
Skin
What is the top differential for 16l of NG reflux
Strangulated small intestine
Objectives of enteral fluids in colic
Hydration of obstruction
Stimulation of gastro -colic surgery
Prevent dehydration/restore hydration and electrolyte deficits
