Colic

Question 1

Colic can be described as…

Answer 1

Any disruption to the GI tract, aka any abdominal pain

Question 2

Horses have ______ feet of small intestine and _____ feet of large intestine

Answer 2

70;30

Question 3

Possible causes of colic include:

Answer 3

• obstruction of ingesta
• hyperactive peristalsis (spasms)
• flatulent (gas production)

Question 4

Obstruction can be caused by…

Answer 4

• volvulus or torsion
• hernia
• reduced blood supply to the intestine
• paralysis of the intestine
• lipomas
• intussusception (telescoping of the intestine)

Question 5

Spasmodic colic is due to…

Answer 5

Increased intestinal contractions (hyperactivity)
- irritation affecting the mucosal surface
- neuromuscular junctions in the intestinal wall
- central nervous system
- can be treated with banamine

Question 6

Flatulent colic often occurs in…

Answer 6

Cribbers

Question 7

An impaction is an…

Answer 7

Intestinal blockage by a large mass of dry food (usually in large intestine)

Question 8

Gut sounds can also be known as…

Answer 8

Borborygmi

Question 9

Rising _________ , or packed cell volume, often has to do with dehydration

Answer 9

Hematocrit

Question 10

Concerning colic, a heart rate of 40-50 is typically an indication _______ colic

Answer 10

Mild/Spasmodic

Question 11

Concerning colic, a heart rate of 60-80 is typically an indication _______ colic

Answer 11

Moderate/ gas

Question 12

Concerning colic, a heart rate of 60+ is typically an indication _______ colic

Answer 12

High/displacement

Question 13

Concerning colic, a heart rate of 100+ is typically an indication _______ colic

Answer 13

Dangerously high/ strangulation or twist

Question 14

Increased gut sounds usually means…

Answer 14

Spasmodic

Question 15

Decreased gut sounds usually mean…

Answer 15

Obstructive

Question 16

______ gums indicate good hydration, while ______ gums indicate dehydration

Answer 16

Slick; sticky

Question 17

A “belly tap” is also known as…

Answer 17

Paracentesis

Question 18

Cell death will begin after ______

Answer 18

2 hours

Question 19

Clear/yellow paracentesis fluid is _______, while red is _________, and green is ________

Answer 19

Normal; an indication of a strangulation or twist (surgery or euthanize); an indication of an intestinal rupture (instant death)

Question 20

If a horse is not a surgical candidate, then ________ can be administered through a _________

Answer 20

Mineral oil; nasogastric tube

Question 21

Prompt surgery can save horses with _________ colic

Answer 21

Obstructive

Question 22

To prevent colic, you should…

Answer 22

• have a good deworming schedule
• regular dental care
• feed on schedule (or be constantly inconsistent) & feed small amounts frequently
• make feed changes gradually
• regular exercise
• unrestricted access to water