GI Disease Flashcards
What is the Aetiology of
Megaoesophagus
Idiopathic
most common cause of regurgitation in dogs
can be congenital, acquired or secondary acquired
Congenital is caused by a nerve and muscle defect seen in large breed dogs GSD, Lab, Shar Pei, Newfie
Acquired occurs in dogs 7-15yo
Secondary Acquired caused by Persistent Right Aortic Arch, Hypothyroidism, Hypoadrenocorticism, Distemper
What is the Pathophysiology of
Megaoesophagus
Loss of muscle tone and motility in the oesophagus
Failure of peristalsis
causing moderate to severe oesophageal dilation
food is left in the oesophagus and can travel into lungs
What are the Clinical Signs of
Megaoesophagus
Regurgitation - mins to hours after feeding, varying frequency
Malnutrition and Cachexia
Aspiration Pneumonia
Excessive Salivation
Halitosis
Coughing and Pulmonary Cracks and Wheezes
How is Megaoesophagus Diagnosed
Radiographs inc. Barrium swallow to rule out FB or Obstruction
Endoscopy
Bloods to investigate secondary causes
What is the Treatment for Megaoesophagus
Nutritional management
Feeding a high cal diet, small and often, from elevated or upright position (Bailey Chair)
may require a liquid diet
Gastronomy tubes
treatment with antibiotics for pulmonary infection
treatment for secondary causes
What is the Aetiology of
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Idiopathic
Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy
Loss of Acinar cells results in lack of pancreatic enzymes being produced
What is the Pathophysiology of
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
a lack of acinar cells well lead to a lack of digestive enzymes and therefore nutrient malabsorption
may also result in an accumulation of brush boarder membrane proteins as they arent worn away by proteases.
also, bacterial overgrowth in SI microflora, can exacerbate malabsorption as they compete for nutrients
What are the Clinical Signs of
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Weight loss and muscle wastage Steatorrhoea Polyphagia, coprophagia and pica Polydipsia Greasy Coat, esp. around tail
How is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Diagnosed
Faecal analysis
blood testing for Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity and Pancreatic Lipase Immunoreactivity
Ex-Lap to show atrophy of the pancreas
What is the Treatment for
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement
(Protease, Amylase, Lipase)
Lifetime Dietary Management
Highly Digestible, Low Fat Diet, Little and Often
Vitamin Supplements with fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) and B12
Antibiotics to treat bacterial overgrowth in gut
if left untreated, starvation will occur
acinar cell damage can, in rare cases, be reversed
What is the Aetiology of
Megacolon
Congenital or Acquired, often Idiopathic
Congenital form is rare, but seen in neonates with a lack of nerves in the bowel
Manx and Siamese cats are predisposed
Acquired form can be due to chronic constipation, Obstipation, FB, Pelvic Trauma, Problems with Smooth Muscle Contraction
What is the Pathophysiology of
Megacolon
a blockage can lead to chronic enlargement of the diameter of the colon
therefore, thining of the colon wall and rupture
What are the Clinical Signs of
Megacolon
Progressive Tenesmus
bloating and abdominal pain
pyrexia
lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, occasional vomiting
How is Megacolon Diagnosed
Ultrasound Radiology Ex-Lap Palpation Blood sampling to rule out hypocalcaemia
What is the Aetiology of
Pancreatitis
Idiopathic
predisposed in Terriers, Schnauzers and Siamese cats
obese animals
being fed a low protein, high fat diet
pancreatic duct obstruction -> chronic pancreatitis
Drugs: Frusamide, Tetracycline, Azathioprine
Viral infection
