Gastrointestinal Diseases Flashcards
What is the aetiology of gastric dilation +/- volvulus (GDV)?
-large deep chested breeds commonly effected
-some increased incidence if relatives have had GDV -seen when exercised immediately before or after feeding
-Great Danes, Doberman’s, Weimaraner, St Bernard
What is the pathophysiology of GDV?
-the stomach dilates and rotates into a twisted position upon gas cannot escape
-distention of the stomach fills the abdominal cavity putting pressure on the caudal vena cava and disrupting venous return to the heart
-pressure of diaphragm may compromise breathing leading to poor ventilation and damage to body tissues
-necrosis of gastric wall/splenic tissue can occur due to disruption of blood supply to these areas
What are the clinical signs of GDV?
-restlessness
-retching
-anterior abdominal swelling
-dyspnoea
-collapse, shock, death
How is GDV diagnosed?
-history and clinical signs
-radiography
What is the aetiology of pancreatitis?
-often idiopathic
-may be linked to a high fat diet, some drugs or secondary to trauma or toxins
-acute pancreatitis in dogs
-chronic pancreatitis in cats
What is the pathophysiology of pancreatitis?
-pancreatic enzymes are activated prematurely within the pancreas or are unable to exit into the duodenum
-presence of these enzymes within the pancreatic tissue results in auto-digestion of the pancreatic tissue
-causes inflammation and necrosis of the pancreas
What are the clinical signs of pancreatitis?
-anterior abdominal pain
-vomiting and anorexia
-depression
-shock
-pyre is
-dehydration
How can pancreatitis be diagnosed?
-history, clinical signs and physical examination
-spec cpl dogs and spec fpl cats
(blood tests to measure serum pancreatic lipase which indicated pancreatic damage)
-trypsin, amylase, lipase blood tests
-radiography and ultrasound
-biopsy
What is the aetiology of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
-atrophy of exocrine pancreatic cells
-caused by spontaneous atrophy or secondary to pancreatitis
-may be inherited
What is the pathophysiology of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
-inadequate production of digestive enzymes due to atrophy of pancreatic exocrine cells
-animals unable to digest foodstuffs fully leading to high volume faeces containing undigested material
-malabsorption leads to weight loss and increased appetite
What are the clinical signs of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
-polyphagia
-weight loss
-poor coat condition
-muscle wastage
How is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency diagnosed?
-history and clinical signs
-faecal examination
-blood test
(Serum trypsin like immune reactivity = low levels)
