Exam 1 - Neonatal Equine Colic Flashcards
what are the normal physical parameters for foals?
temp: 99°F-102°F
heart rate: 80-100 bpm for the first 30 days & 60-70 bpm by 2-3 months of age
respiratory rate: 60-80 bpm at birth & quickly fall to 30-40 bpm in the hours following birth
what are some differentials for a foal with colic?
<2 weeks - meconium impaction!!!, ruptured bladder!!!!, enterocolitis!!!!, congenital, ulcers (glandular), hernia, atresia coli, & intussusception
older foals - ascarids (4-6 months old)!!!!!!, enterocolitis, gastric outflow obstruction, SI volvulus, intussusception, hernia, small colon obstruction, & ulcers
what diagnostic modalities are available to assess a foal with colic?
history & physical exam
bloodwork - CBC, chemistry, IgG
gastric decompression
ultrasound
rads
abdominocentesis
gastroscopy
congenital diseases should be considered for foals of what age?
48 hours old or less
if you suspect that a foal has a ruptured urinary bladder based off of fluid analysis of your abdominocentesis, what other test can you run to further confirm your suspicion?
peritoneal fluid creatinine
what is the number one concern for a foal with a ruptured urinary bladder that could kill it?
uroabdomen = hyperkalemia
can cause bradycardia, arrhythmias
stabilization is critical prior to anesthesia
what are some clinical signs associated with colic in foals?
rolling/dead bug, anorexia, abdominal distension, tail flagging, stranguria/tenesmus, & pawing
what may be heard upon abdominal auscultation in a foal with colic?
absent sounds - ileus due to inflammation, obstruction, & ischemia
hypermotility - early enterocolitis
gas-filled pings
what are the 3 most common causes of colic & lethargy in the neonatal foal?
- meconium impaction
- enterocolitis - c. perfringens, salmonella, rotavirus, & coronavirus
- ruptured bladder
what is the most common cause of colic in newborn foals?
meconium impaction
what classical electrolyte derangements should clue you in to a ruptured bladder in a neonatal foal with colic?
HYPERkalemia
HYPOnatremia
HYPOchloremia
peritoneal: peripheral creatinine ratio > 2:1
what electrolyte derangement causes this on ECG?
hyperkalemia - flattened p waves, prolonged PR interval -> p waves disappear & bradycardia occurs
what foals are more at risk for developing a ruptured bladder/uroperitoneum?
1-2 day old large colts & dystocia foals
what are the normal parameters for peritoneal fluid in foals?
color - straw
TNCC - < 2,000 to 5,000
protein - < 2.0
lactate - < 2.0
creatinine - < 2:1 ratio
what is the scary sequelae that can happen in a foal with enterocolitis?
intussusception