Equine Coaptation, Fluids/Colic, & Anes/Sx QUIZ

Question 1

T/F: Nasal turbinate edema may occur after extubation severely compromising breathing and warrants treatment.

Answer 1

True
Horses are obligate nasal breathers so it is extremely important the airway isn’t obstructed!

Question 2

Deficit Replacement

Calculate the fluid deficit replacement in liters, needed for an 8% dehydrated horse weighing 650 kg.

Answer 2

650 x .08 = 52 kg of fluid needed to correct dehydration
= 52 liters of fluid

Formula: Pt weight kg x % dehydrated = Deficit in liters

Question 3

T/F: A fecal specimen does not need to be taken during a colic exam.

Answer 3

False
This is highly important espcially if it’s a “blind” exam.

Question 4

T/F: When bandaging the leg of a horse, the technician will start on the lateral aspect of the leg and going caudally, move to the medial aspect of the leg.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

Name three steps that should be utilized in the immediate post-anesthesia period to maintain the safety of the horse or staff (animal moving from recumbent to standing). (7)

Answer 5

1. Recover horses in lateral recumbency.
   Padding of horse head and padded stall (if available) is recommended
2. Do not encourage patient to stand, but allow it rest quietly avoiding any sensory stimulus.
3. Do not leave patient unattended or unobserved.
4. Watch for signs of swallowing before removing ET tube.
5. Foals should be closely attended during recovery, one person with the head and one person holding the tail, assistance with standing.
6. Immediate food and water should not be allowed.
7. Supplemental oxygen is desirable during recovery for any procedure >1 hour.

Question 6

Patient monitoring is essential when performing equine surgery and anesthesia. In addition to TPR, list two monitoring parameters (be specific for how/why). (5)

Answer 6

1. CRT, MM color.
2. Electrocardiogram monitoring is desirable.
3. BP monitoring is recommended.
4. Assess oxygenation/ventilation via blood gases.
5. Assess depth of anesthesia (eye position & reflexes)
   ! Primary concerns for equine patients: hypothermia, hypoventilation, hypotension, and bradycardia !

Question 7

Name 4 of the 17 signs of colic pain in the horse as discussed in class.

Answer 7

1. Sweating
2. Pawing of front feet which may be so persistent it endangers the hoof wall
3. Frequent urination posturing but expelling little or no urine
4. Looking back at their own flanks
5. Crouching as though they were preparing to lie down
6. Lying down for prolonged periods of time
7. Rolling on the ground
8. Grinding of teeth (bruxism)
9. Quivering upper lip
10. Self-trauma from thrashing their head against the ground (accompanying painful conditions)
11. Increased respiratory and pulse rates
12. Kicking at their abdomen with hind feet
13. Groaning
14. Standing with their back hunched up
15. “Playing” with water, but not drinking
16. Lying on their back
17. An uncommon sign is sitting like a dog

Question 8

Name 4 of the 9 types of colic as discussed in class.

Answer 8

1. Tympanic (gas) colic
2. Simple intestinal obstruction
3. Strangulating intestinal obstruction
4. Non-strangulating intestinal infarction (localized necrosis) (parasitic colic)
5. Peritonitis (inflammation of peritoneum)
6. Enteritis (inflammation of intestinal mucosa)
7. Colitis (inflammation of colon)
8. Gastrointestinal ulceration
9. Non-gastrointestinal pain (urinary, reproductive, musculoskeletal)

Question 9

List three specific clinical signs of acute laminitis in the horse. (Physical exam results) (6)

Answer 9

1. A strong/bounding digital pulse (most useful)
2. A hoof that’s hot for hours.
3. An increased heart rate
4. Lameness or frequent weight shifting off of feet
5. Swelling of distal legs
6. Changes in color of hoof sole