equine colic

Question 1

what is the epidemiology of a pedunculated lipoma strangulation

Answer 1

benign tumors that arise from th mesentery
horses >8 yo
ponies predisposed
geldings more common than mare
usually affects the small intestines

Question 2

what predisposes horses to a large colon voluvus

Answer 2

changes in managment such as feed and stabling
dental issues
large breed horses and mares post foaling

Question 3

what predisposes a horse to a large colon impaction

Answer 3

management changes, increase in box rest, eating straw bedding

Question 4

which type of colic is crib biting/wind sucking most associated with

Answer 4

epiploic foramen entrapment

Question 5

describe spasmoidic colic and its treatment

Answer 5

intestinal spasms. mild pain with normal CV parameters

treatment: butylscopolamine and phenylbutazone

Question 6

what is felt on rectal examination of a large colon impaction

Answer 6

doughy firm yet smooth structure on the left hand side of the caudal abdomen

Question 7

how would you treat large colon impaction

Answer 7

provide plenty of oral fluid. Can add MgSO4 as an osmotic laxative.
provide plenty of analgesia (flunixin)
if no improvement: surgery

Question 8

how to differentiate a large colon impaction from a secondary impaction

Answer 8

secondary impactions feel corrugated

Question 9

what locations are predisposed to impactions

Answer 9

pelvic flexure
junction of right dorsal colon with transverse colon

Question 10

how is nephrosplenic entrapment diagnosed

Answer 10

rectal palpation- distended left colon and can feel colon within nephrosplenic space
X-ray- unable to see left kidney in radiograph

Question 11

what is the treatment nephrosplenic entrapment

Answer 11

phenylephrine infusion given IV over 15 mins. Lunge horse for 15 mins. repeat rectal to see if colon has repositioned itself

Question 12

what is the treatment for sand associated colic

Answer 12

MgSO4 and psyllium sulphate given once daily via nasogastric tube for 4 days

Question 13

what are the indications for euthanasia when dealing with a colic case

Answer 13

unresponsive to analgesia
severe CV compromise. HR<90, PCV>60%, purple MM
gastrointestinal rupture (brown/red ingesta in peritoneal fluid, profuse sweating followed by reduced pain, boarding of abdomen)

Question 14

what three types of colic most commonly require surgery

Answer 14

pedunculated lipoma, epiploic foramen entrapment, large colon displacement/entrapment

Question 15

what is a common predisposition for ileal impaction or cecal intususseption

Answer 15

tapeworm burden
Anoplocephala perfoliata

Question 16

where is the equine stomach seen on ultrasound

Answer 16

8-13th rib spaces on the left hand side medial to spleen.
if stomach covers >5 rib spaces then stomach is distended
wall thickness normally 7-8mm