Equine specific GI pharmacology

Question 1

What is colic??

Answer 1

Abdominal pain

Question 2

What are the 2 types of colic?

Answer 2

Medical

Surgical

Question 3

What basic medication should be given for colics?

Answer 3

Pain relief

Fluids

Question 4

What 2 NSAIDs can be given for colic? What is the difference between them?

Answer 4

Phenylbutazone - short acting, mild pain

Flunixin meglumine - long acting, severe pain

Question 5

What opiate can be given for colic? Is it short or long acting?

Answer 5

Butorphanol

Short acting - moderate pain

Question 6

What are the 3 types of medical colics?

Answer 6

Spasmodic - SI spasms/hypermotility
Pelvic flexure impaction
Flatulent - distension

Question 7

What should be given for spasmodic medical colic?

Answer 7

Analgesic - metamizole (NSAID)

Antispasmodic (butylscopalamine)

Question 8

What should be given for pelvic flexure impaction colic?

Answer 8

Oral fluids for lubrication/softening of impaction

Question 9

What should be given for flatulent colic?

Answer 9

Pain management - opioids

NSAIDs not effective except flunixin meglumine