equine gi tract Flashcards
name the parts of the gi tract in order
stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine (pelvic flexure), rectum
compare left and right sides of the horse’s abdomen
left: small, left median lobe of liver, left dorsal colon, left ventral colon, duodenum and some of small intestine
right: most of liver, right dorsal colon, right ventral colon, most of small intestine
signs of colic
rolling, swinging head to touch flank, loss of appetite, kicking or biting at abdomen, lack of bowel movements, lack of gut sounds, lip curling (flehmen response), excessive sweat, >52 bpm (elevated pulse), pawing, stretching
gum color and colic
grayish blue/white: low oxygen
blood red: severe dehydration or toxic plants, or inflammation
yellow: liver problems
what is colic actually?
any abdominal pain
- USUALLY an issue with the GI tract, but not always
- Urinary blockages, ruptured bladders (foal), ovarian pain, liver disease, pancreatitis can all present with signs of colic
colic terms for what happens
impaction, torsion
Enteric nervous system
(part of autonomic nervous system) malfunction can cause equine disautonomia. aka grass sickness
Peristalsis
wavelike movement in intestines
Ileus
the IMPAIRMENT of peristalsis
Volvulus
small intestine twists around itself/torsion
Taenia
wtf
Haustra
segments of colon
Mesentery
stores fat, blood vessels travel through it, connects intestines/holds them in place
Peritoneum
lining of abdominal cavity
Abdominocentesis (Belly tap)
removing excess fluid from belly
