Final Exam - Foal Abdomen

Question 1

what are some signs of colic in a foal?

Answer 1

deag bug, tail flagging, straining, bruxism, pawing

Question 2

what may be heard on abdominal auscultation of a colicking foal?

Answer 2

absent - ileus due to inflammation, obstruction, or ischemia

hypermotility - early enterocolitis

gas filled pings

Question 3

T/F: differentials for foal colic changes on age

Answer 3

true

Question 4

what is overo lethal white syndrome?

Answer 4

white paint foals from frame overo crosses - Ile 118Lys endothelin receptor b mutagen, autosomal recessive, absent myenteric ganglia

Question 5

what are the clinical signs of lethal white syndrome?

Answer 5

normal at birth, colic at 5-36 hours, no feces, fatal

Question 6

what are the clinpath abnormalities that are almost pathognomic for a ruptured bladder?

Answer 6

hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, & hyperkalemia

Question 7

what are the 3 most common causes of colic & lethargy in the neonatal foal?

Answer 7

meconium impaction, enterocolitis (clostridium perfringens & salmonella), & ruptured bladder

Question 8

what is the most common cause of colic in the newborn foal?

Answer 8

meconium impaction

Question 9

how is meconium impaction treated?

Answer 9

enemas

Question 10

what foals are more at risk for ruptured bladders?

Answer 10

1-2 day old large colts & dystocias

Question 11

what does hyperkalemia do to the heart rate of a foal with a ruptured bladder?

Answer 11

slows it down

Question 12

how is a ruptured bladder diagnosed?

Answer 12

ultrasound, fluid analysis

peritoneal : peripheral creatinine > 2:1 ratio

Question 13

T/F: clinical signs of a ruptured bladder are identical to meconium impaction

Answer 13

true

Question 14

how do you manage a foal with a ruptured bladder?

Answer 14

stabilize prior to surgery - NaCl fluids, avoid potassium, IV dextrose or insulin to drive K into cells, slow controlled peritoneal drainage, broad spectrum antibiotics (penicillin)

Question 15

what are some of the most common causes of foal heat?

Answer 15

bacterial/viral, gastroduodenal ulcers, improperly mixed milk replacers, crypto

Question 16

when do we typically see foal heat?

Answer 16

days 5-15

Question 17

how is enterocolitis managed in foals?

Answer 17

withhold from milk & dextrose for 24 hours, specific therapy for inciting cause, antimicrobials

Question 18

T/F: enterocolitis may lead to intussusception

Answer 18

true - most common at 3-5 weeks

Question 19

where are the most common sites for intussusception?

Answer 19

small intestine & cecum

colon

Question 20

what age group of foals is most affected by ascarids?

Answer 20

4-6 month old foals

Question 21

how are ascardids treated?

Answer 21

deworming aimed to prevent heavy worm burdern & rapid die off - ivermectin/fenbendazole starting at 6 weeks & give mineral oil & banamine at time of deworming

surgical removal

Question 22

what are the normal parameters for peritoneal fluid in foals?

Answer 22

color - straw
TNCC - < 2,000 to 5,000
protein - < 2.0
lactate - < 2.0
creatinine - < 2:1 ratio

Question 23

what can cause pneumoperitoneum in foals?

Answer 23

bowel rupture or iatrogenic

Question 24

what causes pneumatosis intestinalis?

Answer 24

necrotizing enterocolitis - localized linear lucency within the bowel wall

Question 25

what is the decision to take a foal to surgery based on?

Answer 25

severity/persistence of pain, refractory to analgesics, & progressive abdominal distension

Question 26

T/F: foals are more prone to forming adhesions after surgery

Answer 26

true