equine gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology Flashcards

1
Q

discuss the approach to the horse with colic

A
  • hx
  • physical exam
  • diagnostic techniques (rectal palp, nasogastric intubation, abdo paracentesis)
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2
Q

what are the problems of a grazing diet

A
  • grass contains silicates (harder than enamel and resulta in rapid wear of teeth
  • cellulose and hemicellulose in diet cannot be digested and requires breakdown by bacteria
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3
Q

how much tooth erupts per year in a normal horse

A

2-3 mm per yer

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4
Q

what are the complications of high concentrate diets in horses

A
  • changes chewing movement
  • changes rate of wear
  • leads to overgrowths
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5
Q

how much saliva is produced by the horse per day

A

10-12 litres

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6
Q

what is the importance of saliva in the horse

A
  • lubricates food (preventing choke)
  • buffer stomach acidity (bicarb)
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7
Q

what causes choke

A
  • dry food
  • food that is improperly chewed
  • unsuitable types of food (whole apples, potatoes, grooming brushes)
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8
Q

relate how the different compartments of the equine GIT contain different volumes to function

A
  • stoomach carries relatively small amount of volume as less digestive importance occurs here (only chemical and mechanical mixing/breakdown)
  • large intestine large because more digestion occurs here
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9
Q

name the 2 sphincters of the equine stomach

A
  • cardiac sphincter
  • pyloric sphincter
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10
Q

label the stomach regions

A
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11
Q

what are the functions of the equine stomach

A
  • secrete hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen and mucus (in glandular)
  • mix food with enzymes
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12
Q

discuss digestion in the small intestine

A

carbohydrates: Starch -> glucose and galactose
protein: oligopeptides -> di/tripeptides and amino acids
fat: triglycerides -> fatty acids and monoglycerides

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13
Q

what is not digested by the small intestine in the horse

A

fructans and cellulose (digested in LI by bacteria)

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14
Q

list common diseases of the equine small intestine

A
  • parasites
  • diarrhea
  • impactions
  • twists and strangulations
  • malabsorption
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15
Q

what are the functions of the equine large intestine

A
  • microbial digestion
  • water absorption
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16
Q

what are the purposes of taenial bands and sacculations

A
  • sacculations increase surface area
  • taenial bands are muscular bands important in mixing and movement of ingesta
17
Q

what are the functions of teh caecum and large colon

A
  • microbial digestion and water/electrolyte absorption
18
Q

list the flexures of the equine large intestine, their locations and issues associated if any

A
  • sternal flexure = ventral aspect, cranial abdomin
  • pelvic flexure = caudal abdomen, narrows, makes 180 degree turn and has to go vertically up, fod gets stuck
  • diaphragmatic flexure = dorsal cranial abdo
19
Q

what is the function of the small colon

A
  • storage of feces and absorption of remaining water
20
Q

on per rectum palpation of the horse, what will you feel in the left hemisphere

A
  • spleen (against body wall, smooth with sharp border and no palpable masses)
  • caudal pole of left kidney (smooth margins and against spleen)
  • pevlic flexure ( varies in diameter, no sacculations, no taenial bands palpable, indentable contents, can move across to midline)
  • small colon ( small diameter, 2 taenial bands, fecal balls)
21
Q

what will you feel per rectum in a horse on the right hemisphere

A

caecum = large diamter, gas/fluid/feed filled, sacculations, caudal and medial taenial band running dorsal to ventral

22
Q

causes of colic

A
  • diet
  • anatomical predisposition
  • motility disturbances
  • infections
  • parasites
  • ulcertion
  • other organs/systems (false colic)
23
Q

what should be assessed on clinical exam of a horse with suspected colic

A
  • overall impression
  • demeanour
  • degree of pain
  • any self trauma
  • abdominal distension
  • posture
  • TPR
  • pulse and mucus membranes (quality of pulse, digital pulse, CRT, colour)
  • gastrointestinal sounds
  • skin turgor (hydration status)
24
Q

list firther diagnistic tests for colic

A
  • rectal exam
  • nasogastric intubation (esp for acute colic if fluid builds in stomach and cant pass through)
  • abdominal paracentestis
  • ultrasound
  • blood sample
  • fecal exam
  • endoscopy
  • radiographs
25
Q

why is nasogastric intubation indicated for some cases of colic

A
  • horses cant vomit -> if fluid reflux builds in stomach can rupture - needs to be removed
  • releives choke
  • gastric impaction
  • administer oral fluids/treatment
26
Q

why is peritoneal tap useful in colic

A
  • provides important infor for critical cases
  • can be useful in chronic colic
  • analyze colour, volume, turbidity, total protein, cell number and type