Colic/diarrhoea (Yr 3)

Question 1

what are some clinical signs of colic?

Answer 1

flank watching
lying down
rolling
pawing the ground
repeatedly getting up/down

Question 2

what causes GI colic?

Answer 2

anything preventing normal progression of intestinal contents (obstructions, occlusions…)

Question 3

what are the different classification of GI colic?

Answer 3

spasmodic
impactions
gas distention (flatulence)
obstructions (simple/strangulating)
non-strangulating infarctions
inflammation
idiopathic

Question 4

what should be assessed when analysing peritoneal fluid?

Answer 4

quantity
colour (normal straw colour?)
clarity (normal clear?)
ingesta present (enterocentesis/rupture)

Question 5

what is the normal total protein for peritoneal fluid?

Answer 5

<20g/L

Question 6

what is the normal white blood cell count for peritoneal fluid?

Answer 6

<5x10^9/L

Question 7

what is the normal lactate of peritoneal fluid?

Answer 7

<2mmol/L

Question 8

why is nasogastric intubation carried out for colic cases?

Answer 8

they can’t vomit and the stomach will continue secreting fluid even if there is an obstruction, so stomach can ultimately rupture

Question 9

what is the normal PCV (packed cell volume) of a horse?

Answer 9

35-45%

Question 10

what is the normal systemic TP of a horse?

Answer 10

60-70g/L

Question 11

what is the normal systemic lactate of a horse?

Answer 11

<2mmol/L

Question 12

what is one of the most common causes of colic in foals?

Answer 12

meconium impaction

Question 13

what is equine grass sickness also known as?

Answer 13

equine dysautonomia

Question 14

what is the suspected cause of equine grass sickness?

Answer 14

toxic-infection with C. botulinum type C

Question 15

how many droppings should a horse produce in a day?

Answer 15

8-10 piles

Question 16

what are the five mechanisms of diarrhoea?

Answer 16

malabsorption
increased secretion
osmotic overload
abnormal motility
extravasation of fluid (oedema)

Question 17

what part of the intestines are effected in adult diarrhoea?

Answer 17

large intestine is always involved (small intestinal disease alone won’t cause diarrhoea)

Question 18

what part of the intestines is effected in foals to lead to diarrhoea?

Answer 18

can be either large or small

Question 19

what are some differentials for chronic diarrhoea in the adult horse?

Answer 19

dietary (abnormal fermentation)
dental disease
parasitism
sand ingestion
antimicrobial associated
NSAID toxicity (right dorsal colitis)

Question 20

what part of the GI tract is effected by NSAID toxicity?

Answer 20

right dorsal colon (colitis)