E2: Choke Flashcards
What side of the horse is the esophagus usually on?
Left
T/F: Similar to cats, the cranial two thirds of the esophageal wall is composed of skeltal muscle while the distal third is composed of smooth muscles. The muscles also get thicker as you move aborally.
True
What muscle forms the cranial esophageal sphincter?
Cricopharyngeus
What is the most common cause of primary esophageal obstruction?
Roughage (alfalfa)
What are the earliest signs of esophageal obstruction?
Anxiety
Ptyalorrhea
Dysphagia
Coughing
Gagging or retching
Nasal discharge (bilateral, frothy)
Neck extension
Pawing
Feeling what upon palpation of the jugular furrow suggests esophageal rupture?
Crepitus
Cellulitis
T/F: Gagging and retching can cause esophageal rupture.
True
What landmark do you use for measuring the NG tube length?
13th ICS
T/F: Mineral oil or DSS can be used to resolve an esophageal obstruction
FALSE, never use these (can result in asipration - pneumonia)
What modality is used to definitively evaulate an esophageal obstruction?
Endoscope
Why is acepromazine not the ideal drug choice for reducing esophageal tone and pain in male horses?
Penile prolapse
Which drug or combintion of drugs has the greatest effect on esophageal motlity? What other drugs can be used?
Best: Xylazine and Butorphanol
Oxytocin
Buscopan (antispasmotic)
What is the post-esophageal obstruction treatment prototcol?
Anti-microbials (Potassium penicillin (gr +) + Aminoglycoside (gr-) + Metronidazole (anaerobes))
NSAIDs
Nebulization
Sucralfate (binds to negatively chagred structures, like ulcers)
Omeprazole (gastroprotectant)
Withhold food 24-48 hrs then reassess
What acid-base abnormality often accompanies choke?
Metabolic alkalosis (prolonged salivary loff of Cl and Na)
T/F: Megasophagus following an esophageal obstruction is a progressive, chronic problem.
False, not always can resolve