Digestion Flashcards
How large is stomach capacity?
5-15 L
Two portions of stomach.
Glandular and non glandular
What separates the two portions of the stomach?
Margo plicatus
What is choke? Signs of choke?
Appetite but horse can’t swallow, nasal discharge and drooling
How do you treat choke?
Withhold food and water, sedate and pass a tube and flush with warm water
Where do ulcers commonly form?
Glandular region
Common in show horses with a lot of stress.
Gastric ulcers
Where are majority of minerals absorbed, carb and protein digestion take place ?
Small intestines
Ischemis
Lack of blood supply
How long is the small intestine?
70 ft
What is the capacity of the cecum?
26-36 liters
Three most anatomically caused impacting sites.
Cecocolic junction, pelvic flexture, junction between right dorsal colon and transverse colon
Why can large intestines flip?
They are not secured - gas
Five main categories that lead to GI pain.
Distention, traction, extensive Borborygmi, decreased blood flow, inflammation
Signs of colic.
Off feed, circling, pawing, rolling, head looking at flank, trembling, sweating, lip curling, decreased fecal
Where does fermentation take place?
Cecum (hind gut)
Classifications of colic
Intestinal accidents, intestinal dysfunction, inflammation or ulceration
Classification that often treats well.
Intestinal dysfunction
Classification of colic needing surgery.
Intestinal accidents
Two NSAIDS for horses.
Fenabutazone, banamine (visceral pain)
Types of colic that require surgery.
Intussuception, twists, entrapment
What can cause colic?
Parasites, side effect of medications, toxins (molds, weeds), stress, ulcers, sand impact ion, poor quality feed
What should you do first in a colic situation?
Remove food, keep horse walking, get a good history, nasogastric tube, ultrasound, recital exam
How do you treat colic?
Banamine (flunixin megulmine), fluid therapy, laxatives (mineral oil), tranquilizer and sedation, hospitalization, surgery
How can you prevent colic?
Limit grain based feeds, good parasite control, gradual diet change, clean fresh water, dental care, low stress, avoid sandy environments
