Colic

Question 1

What is colic

Answer 1

Abdominal pain

Question 2

Causes of colic

Answer 2

Strangulation
Torsion
Enteritis
Displacement
Herniation
Intussusecption
Gas
Impaction/obstruction

Question 3

Clinical signs of colic

Answer 3

Change in droppings
Straining
Sweating
Rolling
Flank watching
Dull/depressed
Lip curling
Change in appetite
Teeth grinding
Getting up and down

Question 4

Clinical signs of severe colic

Answer 4

Unrelenting pain
Abdominal distension
Heart rate>60
Discoloured mm
Delayed crt
Absence or reduction in 1 or more quarters
Cardiovascular compromise

Question 5

Key questions to ask

Answer 5

Horse signalment
Behaviour (changes)
Environment/management changes
Parasitic treatment
Medical history
Is referral an option?
Currently - most recently normal? Faeces?
And treatments

Question 6

Basic colic assessment includes

Answer 6

Heart rate
MM
CRT
Colour
Moistness
Gut sounds
Temperature

Question 7

3 most frequent on yard diagnostics

Answer 7

Rectal
NG tube
Response to analgesia

Question 8

Above what value is a critical amount of NG reflux

Answer 8

4 litres

Question 9

Indications for NG tube

Answer 9

Spontaneous NG reflux
Distended SI
Suspect critical case
High HR
High RR

Question 10

What is a grade 1 rectal tear

Answer 10

Mucosa submucosa torn

Question 11

What is a grade 2 rectal tear

Answer 11

Muscular layer only torn

Question 12

What is a grade 3 rectal tear

Answer 12

All layers torn except serosa or mesorectum

Question 13

What is a grade 4 rectal tear

Answer 13

All layers torn

Question 14

First aid for rectal years

Answer 14

Identify, acknowledge, inform owner
Reduce straining and contamination
Call for help

Question 15

How to assess damage extent in rectal tears

Answer 15

Clear faeces then examine with ungloved hand

Question 16

What should you warn the owner of before NG tubing

Answer 16

Epistaxis

Question 17

What analgesic is commonly used to test response in colic

Answer 17

Flunixin

Question 18

What additional tests would be performed in hospital for colic

Answer 18

Abdominocentesis
Ultrasound

Question 19

What do you look for on abdominocentesis

Answer 19

TNCC >5x10^9 cells/L
Cytology
Lactate >2mmol/L
Glucose <2mm/L
C&S

Question 20

Treatment options for colic

Answer 20

Medical
Surgical
Euthanasia

Question 21

Types of colic that are always medical

Answer 21

Spasmodic
Gaseous
Anterior enteritis
Colitis
Gastric ulceration
Grass sickness (ileus)

Question 22

Colic types that can be medical or surgical

Answer 22

Colon displacement
Colon impactions
Peritonitis
Non-GI lesions
Simple SI obstructions
Parasites

Question 23

Colic types that are always surgical (or euthanasia)

Answer 23

SI/small colon incarceration
SI/small colon volvulus
Colon torsion

Question 24

How long does flunixin act for

Answer 24

12 hours

Question 25

What does hypothermia suggest (<37°)

Answer 25

Cardiovascular compromise and shock

Question 26

What does green/brown peritoneal tap mean

Answer 26

Ruptured intestine

Question 27

What does pink brown abdominocentesis mean

Answer 27

Compromised intestine

Question 28

What are the 3 layers of closure in colic surgery

Answer 28

Linea alba
Subcutis
Skin

Question 29

What is the top differential for 16l of NG reflux

Answer 29

Strangulated small intestine

Question 30

Objectives of enteral fluids in colic

Answer 30

Hydration of obstruction
Stimulation of gastro -colic surgery
Prevent dehydration/restore hydration and electrolyte deficits