Final Exam - Foal Abdomen Flashcards
what are some signs of colic in a foal?
deag bug, tail flagging, straining, bruxism, pawing
what may be heard on abdominal auscultation of a colicking foal?
absent - ileus due to inflammation, obstruction, or ischemia
hypermotility - early enterocolitis
gas filled pings
T/F: differentials for foal colic changes on age
true
what is overo lethal white syndrome?
white paint foals from frame overo crosses - Ile 118Lys endothelin receptor b mutagen, autosomal recessive, absent myenteric ganglia
what are the clinical signs of lethal white syndrome?
normal at birth, colic at 5-36 hours, no feces, fatal
what are the clinpath abnormalities that are almost pathognomic for a ruptured bladder?
hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, & hyperkalemia
what are the 3 most common causes of colic & lethargy in the neonatal foal?
meconium impaction, enterocolitis (clostridium perfringens & salmonella), & ruptured bladder
what is the most common cause of colic in the newborn foal?
meconium impaction
how is meconium impaction treated?
enemas
what foals are more at risk for ruptured bladders?
1-2 day old large colts & dystocias
what does hyperkalemia do to the heart rate of a foal with a ruptured bladder?
slows it down
how is a ruptured bladder diagnosed?
ultrasound, fluid analysis
peritoneal : peripheral creatinine > 2:1 ratio
T/F: clinical signs of a ruptured bladder are identical to meconium impaction
true
how do you manage a foal with a ruptured bladder?
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)
what are some of the most common causes of foal heat?
bacterial/viral, gastroduodenal ulcers, improperly mixed milk replacers, crypto
when do we typically see foal heat?
days 5-15
how is enterocolitis managed in foals?
withhold from milk & dextrose for 24 hours, specific therapy for inciting cause, antimicrobials
T/F: enterocolitis may lead to intussusception
true - most common at 3-5 weeks
where are the most common sites for intussusception?
small intestine & cecum
colon
what age group of foals is most affected by ascarids?
4-6 month old foals
how are ascardids treated?
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
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 can cause pneumoperitoneum in foals?
bowel rupture or iatrogenic
what causes pneumatosis intestinalis?
necrotizing enterocolitis - localized linear lucency within the bowel wall
what is the decision to take a foal to surgery based on?
severity/persistence of pain, refractory to analgesics, & progressive abdominal distension
T/F: foals are more prone to forming adhesions after surgery
true
