Gastroenterology 2 AI Flashcards
How soon can neurological improvement be seen after administering a lactulose enema?
Neurological improvement may be seen within a 2-hour period.
When is oral administration of lactulose recommended?
Oral administration of lactulose is recommended when the patient is more stable.
What is the recommended dosage for oral administration of lactulose?
The dosage varies from 2.5-25 ml/kg orally q8h.
What is the purpose of administering oral antibiotics in patients with HE?
The purpose is to decrease the numbers of urease-producing bacteria in the GI tract and reduce the production of certain compounds by bacteria.
What are some antibiotics that have been successfully used in HE patients?
Metronidazole, amoxicillin, and neomycin have all been used successfully.
When should neomycin be avoided in HE patients?
Neomycin should be avoided if there is any evidence of intestinal bleeding, ulceration, or renal failure.
Which organs have extensive presence of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)?
skeletal muscle cells, heart, kidney, and brain
Where is most of the Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) found within hepatocytes?
mostly mitochondrial bound
What do elevations of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) crudely correlate with?
degree of hepatocellular damage
What is Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) associated with and where is it found?
microsomal induction, found within the biliary canaliculi membrane
What causes elevations in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)?
cholestasis or drug induction
In which animals is Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) found in bone, kidney, placenta, intestine, and liver?
dogs
What is Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) important for?
amino acid transport across cell membranes, detoxification of chemicals, and glutathione metabolism
Where is the highest concentration of Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) found in the dog and cat?
pancreas and kidney
What is the normal width of the gallbladder wall in dogs?
2–3 mm
What is the normal width of the gallbladder wall in cats?
less than 1 mm
What percentage of clinically healthy cats had a non-visible gallbladder wall on ultrasound?
59.10%
What can cause gallbladder wall thickening?
inflammation, edema, cystic mucosal hyperplasia, or neoplasia
What is the normal diameter of the common bile duct in dogs and cats?
3–4 mm
What is the common bile duct diameter in cats with extrahepatic biliary obstruction?
wider than 5 mm
What is the reported prevalence of gallbladder sludge in clinically healthy animals?
53–57%
What is the most common breed affected by gallbladder sludge in dogs?
Labrador Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and crossbreeds
What are some specific treatments for drug intoxications?
Specific treatments for drug intoxications may include S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe), vitamin E, silymarin, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).
What is the prognosis for acute hepatitis?
Many cases of acute hepatitis can be rapidly fatal. Severe hepatitis can cause hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding tendencies, hypoglycemia, DIC, and death. However, with prompt and aggressive therapy, mild to moderate cases of hepatitis can result in a full recovery.