Colic Flashcards
What does a general physical exam for colic look like in equines?
- Mentation.
- Abdominal contour.
- Heart rate.
- Temperature.
- Mucous membrane color.
- Auscultation for borborygmi.
*Do not get tunnel vision.
Why would a nasogastric tube be placed during a colic work-up?
To determine if reflux is present.
Why would knowing whether a reflux is present or not be important?
If there is no-little gastric reflux, liquids can be administered. If lots of gastric reflux, fluid is being produced and may cause stomach swelling.
Why would a rectal exam be performed during a colic work-up?
Rectal tears occur easily in horses, allowing bacteria to enter other parts and cause problems.
Who is the only person who should perform a rectal exam on a horse?
A veterinarian.
What are 2 optional parts of a colic work-up?
- Full lab work.
- Abdominocentesis.
What are the small intestinal causes of colic?
- Ileal impaction.
- Strangulating lipoma.
- Proximal enteritis-jejunitis.
What is ileal impaction?
A mechanical obstruction of the lumen of the ileum.
What area of the United States is ileal impaction most commonly seen in?
The SE USA.
What type of hay is associated with ileal impaction?
Coastal Bermuda grass hay.
What parasite causes ileal impaction?
Tapeworms.
What is the treatment for ileal impaction?
- Medical Tx.
- Surgical Tx.
*Pain levels vary.
What is a strangulating lipoma?
When a lipoma on a stalk in the GI mesentery wraps around the intestine and causes ischemia (lack of blood flow).
What age group is commonly affected by strangulating lipoma?
Older horses.
What is the treatment for strangulating lipoma?
Surgical correction.
*Severely painful.
What is proximal enteritis-jejunitis?
Inflammation of the proximal part of the jejunum.
*Unknown etiology.
How does a horse with proximal enteritis-jejunitis present?
- Febrile.
- Depressed.
- Moderate to severe gastric reflux.
What is a common sequelae to proximal enteritis-jejunitis?
Secondary laminitis.
What is the treatment for proximal enteritis-jejunitis?
Can be treated medically, but occasionally surgically.
What are the large intestinal causes of colic?
- Left dorsal displacement.
- Right dorsal displacement.
- Impaction (Large intestine).
- Volvulus.
How does a left dorsal displacement occur?
When the pelvic flexure of the LI gets caught on the nephrosplenic ligament.
In what ways can a left dorsal displacement be corrected?
- Rolling the horse.
- Administering phenylephrine to shrink the spleen followed by jogging.
- Usually requires surgical resolution.
*Varying degrees of pain.
How does a right dorsal displacement occur?
When the pelvic flexure moves to the right side of the abdomen between the cecum and the peritoneum.
What does right dorsal displacement result in?
Mild to moderate colic pain.
What are the treatment options for right dorsal displacement?
Medical or surgical management, dependent on the pain level.
What is the most common displacement?
Right dorsal displacement.
What are the primary locations for impactions in the large intestine?
- Junction of right dorsal colon.
- Junction of transverse colon.
- Pelvic flexure.
What are the signs of a impaction in the large intestine?
- Acute changes in diameter.
- Physical obstruction.
- Mild to intermittent colic signs.
What are the signs of a impaction in the cecum?
- Motility issues.
- Secondary hospitalization.
- Mild to intermittent colic signs.
*Needs to be closely monitored, due to the risk of rupture.
What are the treatment options for an impaction in the large intestine?
Usually treated medically, but occasionally surgically
What is a volvulus?
Longitudinal twist of the colon.
*Usually clockwise.
What is the cause of volvulus?
Thought to be secondary to gas accumulation in the colon.
What results from volvulus?
- Ischemia.
- Severe, unrelenting pain.
What group of horses is overrepresented in volvulus cases?
Brood mares.
