Investigation of the GI System Flashcards
What is the major thing that needs to be establish asap when taking down history for a GI patient?
Does it need surgery or not?
What are the 4 main steps/things to do when you are presented with a GI patient?
Take the general hx
Physical examination
Abdominal palpation and observation
Rectal examination
List some of the general questions you may ask when taking down a patient’s hx
Diet? Age/signalment Prophylaxis Previous treatment How long have the symptoms been present Any change in clinical signs? Any contact with unwell animals? Any non-GI signs Appetite?
Distinguish between vomiting and regurgiation
Vomiting= active, abdominal effort required, circulating toxins of GI issue will cause it, salivation to neutralise gastric contents, undigested/digested food
Regurgitation= passive, oesophageal problem, high risk of aspiration because epiglottis remains open, undigested food
Distinguish between small and large intestinal D++
Small= concurrent vomiting, melena, frequent and with urgency
Large= tenesmus, haematochezia, mucoid faeces
Describe some things you might look for/do during a physical examination
Body condition assessment Evaluate all body systems Assess for dehydration Check mouth Look at face and palpate carefully
What two physical tests can you do to determine if an animal is dehydrated?
Skin tent
Capillary re-fill time (should be less than 2 seconds)
Where would you palpate to take a muscle condition score?
Palpation of the sublumbar muscles over the head and scapula
Define sarcopenia
Muscle mass decrease
Describe which way you palpate when performing an abdominal palpation and observation
Cranially to caudally
Start ventrally
T/F:
It is normal to feel the spleen and lymph nodes in a cat
False
Not normal
T/F: You should only be able to feel the right kidney in a cat
False
Both kidneys
List some clinical signs of a GI obstruction
Tachycardia Dehydration Shock Fluid accumulation proximal to the obstruction Reduced/absent intestinal borborygmi Abdominal distension
What can a rectal examination tell you?
Melena
Acholic faeces
Dry rectum
Masses
Don’t do a rectal examination if there are signs of tenesmus or dyschezia
After you have taken hx, abdominal palpation/observation, physical examination and rectal examination- what are some further tests you could do?
Haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis Assess electrolyte deficits Assess renal/hepatic function Faecal floatation for parastites Faecal culture or PCR testing Ultrasound Exocrine pancreatic function Abdominal radiographs Contrast studies Endoscopy and biopsy Exploratory laparotomy
