GI: Large intestine and ulcers Flashcards
How is water absorbed in the large intestine?
Passive osmosis following active absorption of sodium, primarily in the proximal colon
Absorption of sodium from the large intestine is mediated by what two hormones? What is the mechanism?
Aldosterone and glucocorticoids - stimulate the activity of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump
How is potassium absorbed in the large intestine?
K+/H+ exchanger
How is chloride absorbed in the large intestine?
Either by passive diffusion along the electrochemical gradient following sodium absorption or by a chloride/bicarbonate exchanger
What is the mechanism of action of sulfasalazine?
Pro-drug of 5-amino salicylic acid, which is an NSAID. The pro-drug is broken apart by bacteria in the colon, and the 5-ASA acts to directly inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis in the colonic mucosa
What is a side effect of sulfasalazine?
KCS
What is the characteristic histopathologic finding with granulomatous colitis?
Macrophages full of Periodic-Acid-Schiff positive staining material underlying an ulcerated colonic mucosa
Where do adherent and invasive E coli replicate in granulomatous colitis?
Within the phagolysosomes of macrophages - leading to granulomatous lesions
How does enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) lead to small intestinal diarrhea?
Produces heat labile and heat stable toxins that stimulate excessive secretions by the small intestine
How do enteropathic E coli (EPEC) lead to diarrhea?
Cause attaching and effacing damage to intestinal epithelial microvilli through intimin expression. Most common in kittens and puppies
How do enterohemorrhagic E coli (EHEC) cause diarrhea?
Non-invasive, but produce Shiga-like toxins that kill colonocytes by inhibition of protein synthesis - leads to edema, submucosal hemorrhage and hemorrhagic diarrhea
What is Alabama rot?
Disease in Greyhounds that leads to ulcerative skin lesions and AKI. Some association with being fed raw meat, and enterohemorrhagic E coli has been implicated
Where is Prototheca acquired?
Animal waste and sewage contaminated food, soil, or water. Impaired host cellular immunity likely plays a role in infection/dissemination
Name 3 clinical signs of Protothecosis?
Chronic, intermittent bloody diarrhea, uveitis, neurologic signs
How is disseminated Prototheca treated?
Amphotericin B and itraconazole
Where is Histoplasma capsulatum acquired?
Warm, moist, nitrogen rich soil contaminated by bat or bird droppings. Mainly along the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers
Describe the pathogenesis of Histoplasmosis
Spores are inhaled, then disseminated by macrophages to the GI tract and other organs. Alternatively, spores may be eaten and directly infect the GI tract. Leads to granulomatous inflammation
Name 3 clinical signs of Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats
Chronic colitis with waxing and waning large bowel diarrhea, mucus/hematochezia, FOUL smell, anal irritation, fecal incontinence
What form does Tritrichomonas exist in?
Trophozoite form
What is the typical signalment of cats with Tritrichomonas?
Young (<1 yr), pedigree cats in crowded catteries, rehoming centers, or multi-cat households. BUT can remain latent and recrudesce in older, stressed cats
What is the best sample to test for Tritrichomonas?
High colonic washings that are centrifuged and allowed to settle - examine the sediment. Diarrhea samples NOT collected from litter also ok (litter can interfere with PCR)
What diagnostic tests can be used to identify Tritrichomonas?
- Identification of motile organisms on a direct wet mount - characteristic forward, jerky motion with an undulating membrane and 3 anterior flagella (sensitivity only 14%)
- Culture system: Feline In Pouch TF (must grow for 12 days)
- PCR
What is the treatment for Tritrichomonas? What are the side effects
Ronidazole - can cause neurologic signs that resolve with discontinuation of therapy
Describe the life cycle of Heterobilharzia americana.
Reservoir host - raccoons
Intermediate host - snails
Cercariae from the snail penetrate the dog’s skin and migrate through the lungs and the liver. Matures in the liver and lays eggs in the terminal mesenteric venules. Ova migrate through the bowel wall by releasing proteolytic enzymes => severe granulomatous inflammation
What are clinical signs and clinicopathologic changes seen with Heterobilharzia?
- Vomiting, large intestinal diarrhea, hematochezia
- Hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, ELE, hypercalcemia from granulomatous disease
How is Heterobilharzia treated?
Fenbendazole with praziquantel
Where do the larvae of Trichuris live? What type of inflammation do they cause?
- Prefer the cecum and proximal colon
- Anterior portion burrows into the colonic wall, causing granulomatous inflammation. Can also cause cecal inversion
What biochemical abnormalities can be seen with Trichuris infection?
Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia (pseudo-Addison’s)
Large intestinal adenocarcinoma most commonly develops in what location? What breeds are over-represented?
- Distal colon and rectum
- Westies, GSD, Collies
Where are leiomyosarcomas most commonly found?
Cecum
In cats, what is the most common large intestinal tumor and where is it located? What breed is predisposed?
- Adenocarcimona (46%, lymphoma only 41%) - distal colon and ileocolic junction.
- Siamese
Do canine or feline colonic tumors have a higher rate of local metastasis?
Feline - 60%
What is the MST of dogs with colorectal adenocarcimona?
1.6 months without surgery, 7 months longer with surgical excision
What breed is over-represented for adenomatous colo-rectal polyps?
Miniature dachshund
What is pseudopolyposis?
Multiple nodules are found throughout the colon - not true polyps as the lack a stalk, but are benign. Treated with glucocorticoids
What are the clinical signs of colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia)?
Marked hematochezia, occasionally requiring transfusions. Areas of coalescing, tortuous mucosal blood vessels on endoscopy.
What is the treatment of colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia)?
Surgical resection of the affected region recommended. Argon laser ablation and electrocautery can be tried. Estrogens and progesterone used commonly, octreotide may be helpful
Megacolon develops through 2 mechanisms. Name them and discuss causes
- Hypertrophic megacolon: develops as a consequence of obstruction (malunion of pelvic fractures, tumors, foreign bodies) - may be reversible with early intervention or may lead to dilated megacolon
- Dilated megacolon: develops due to electrolyte abnormalities, neuromuscular disorders, or idiopathic. Irreversible
Name 3 metabolic causes of constipation
Dehydration, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism
What are emollient laxatives?
- Anionic detergents that increase the miscibility of water and lipid in the digest - impairs water absorption
- Ex. Docusate (DSS)
What are hyperosmotic laxatives?
Poorly absorbed polysaccharides (lactulose), magnesium salts (citrate, hydroxide, sulfate), hypertonic sodium phosphate or PEGs. Osmotically draw water into the colon. Fermentation of lactulose also results in organic acids that stimulate colonic fluid secretion and propulsive motility
Why are enemas containing sodium phosphate contraindicated in cats and small dogs?
Cause fatal hypernatremia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia