Esophageal obstruction and Equine Gastric ulcer syndrome Flashcards
what is happening?
esophageal obstruction, aka choke
what is the most common feed cause of choke?
inadequately soaked beet pulp
what are some causes of choke?
poor dentition
inadequate water intake
heavy sedation
esophageal disease
what are the most common choke sites of esophagus?
cervical esophagus
thoracic inlet
base of heart
cardia/terminal esophagus
What do you do first when getting to choke call?
physical exam
-check to see if still choked
-listen to heart
-listen for pneumonia
what sedation drugs can you use for choke?
xylazine - 10 mins of sedation
butorphanol - pain relief
acepromazine - muscle relaxant and anti-anxiety
what muscle relaxants can you use for choke?
Buscopan (N-butylscopolammonium) - M antagonist, flavor atropine
Acepromazine
what NSAIDs do you use for choke?
Banamine
If an antibiotic for a choke case which should you choose?
not an oral one
ex. excede IM antibiotic
How do you treat choke?
pass a nasogastric tube to relieve obstruction
once in stomach give water and electrolytes
what is the post care for after a choke is relieved?
no feed for 12 hours and then restart on wet, soft feed slowly
what do you do if you can’t relieve choke?
supportive care - night on IV fluids and muscle relaxants
Refer to tertiary care for scoping
General anesthesia for more aggress manipulation
How do you lavage with the tube?
put the head down to prevent aspiration, slowly pump warm water until it flows out
when is it a good idea to recommend an endoscopy?
if they’re choked for more than 12 hrs or very difficult to relieve
How do you prevent choke?
slow feeder
floating/dental care
automatic feeder