Digestive Disorders Flashcards
Animals need to use nutrient they obtain from their food. Why is it essential that every animal has a healthy digestive system
To function correctly
What is healthy digestion
Build tissue
Repair tissue
Obtain energy from nutrients
Give three digestive issues
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Affects passage of food
What is a disease
Has specific cause, characteristics and symptoms
What is disorders
Function abnormality or disturbance
Interruption or disturbance of normal functions
Give three examples of digestive disorders
Constipation
Bloating
Viral diseases
What is a problem when diagnosing the disorders
Lot show the same clinical signs
Some have behavioural issues attached
What is indigestion of foreign objects
An object or piece of extraneous matter that has entered the body by accident or design
What are the two causes of indigestion of foreign objects
Animals may swallow items they should not
Pets may eat items whether they are intended or not
Give two symptoms of indigestion of foreign object
Obstruction to digestive system and tract
Regurgitation of food
What are the consequences of indigestion of foreign object
Surgery to remove items
Some items may obstruct the digestive tract which can lead to infections or death
What can cause sickness and diarrhoea
Contaminated food
Unsuitable food types
Unsuitable amounts of food
Pathogens
What is the general advice for treating animals with sickness or diarrhoea
48 hours of plain, bland food such as chicken and rice
this is easy to digest and is gentle on the digestive tract
What else do we need to consider as a side effect of sickness and diarrhoea
Dehydration- pinch tests and if dehydration is severe then the animals may need IV fluid or subcutaneous fluids
Time of year and life stage to ensure hydration is maintained
What is ruminant bloat
Occurs in any ruminants but mainly cattle
Causes gas build up
Can be fatal
