Large animal ECC Flashcards
What are key signs of hypovolaemic shock in a horse?
Increased HR (tachycardia)
Prolonged CRT (>2 seconds)
Dark, injected mucous membranes
Cold extremities
Weak pulses
Low urine output
What are possible causes of hypovolaemic shock in horses?
Severe fluid loss (e.g., diarrhoea)
Haemorrhage
Third spacing (fluid shift into tissues)
Severe burns
Inadequate fluid intake
What are key indicators of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in horses?
Fever (>38.5°C)
Tachycardia (>60 bpm)
Tachypnoea (>20 bpm)
Abnormal white blood cell count
If >2 criteria are met, SIRS is suspected
What are the differences between SIRS, sepsis, and septic shock?
SIRS = Systemic inflammation due to any cause (infection, trauma, burns)
Sepsis = SIRS caused by infection
Septic shock = Sepsis with circulatory failure leading to hypotension & hypoperfusion
What is the initial fluid therapy plan for a horse in hypovolaemic shock?
Bolus 15ml/kg Lactated Ringer’s Solution IV
Repeat bolus if needed
Assess response via HR, CRT, MM & extremity temperature
How do you manage hypovolaemia in a hospital setting?
Fluid therapy:
- Replace deficit over 24 hours
- Maintenance fluids: 2ml/kg/hr
- Account for ongoing losses
Plasma (4ml/kg IV) if oncotic support needed
Parenteral nutrition (10kcal/kg/day) if anorexic
How do you calculate fluid deficits in horses?
Deficit (L) = % Dehydration × Body Weight (kg)
Example: 10% dehydration in a 350kg pony → 35L deficit
What is the recommended fluid maintenance rate for horses?
2ml/kg/hr
E.g. for a 350kg pony → 0.7L/hr
A 350kg pony is 10% dehydrated due to severe diarrhoea
Calculate the total fluid requirement over 24 hours, including deficit, maintenance, and ongoing losses
1: Fluid Deficit
- 10% × 350kg = 35L deficit
2: Initial Fluid Resuscitation
- Bolus: 15ml/kg IV → 5.25L IV (repeat if needed)
- Total boluses given: 10.5L
- Plasma therapy: 4ml/kg IV → 1.4L
3: Remaining Deficit
- 35L - 11.9L = 23.1L left
4: 24-hour Fluid Plan
- Deficit replacement: 1L/hr
- Maintenance: 2ml/kg/hr = 0.7L/hr
- Ongoing losses: 12L/day (estimate) = 0.5L/hr
- Total rate: 1 + 0.7 + 0.5 = 2.2L/hr
5: Total Fluid Volume Over 24h
- 2.2L/hr × 24hrs = 52.8L
What are signs of hyperlipaemia in horses?
Lethargy, inappetence
Icteric mucous membranes
Milky serum/plasma
Elevated triglycerides
Fatty liver infiltration (can lead to liver failure)
Common in ponies, donkeys & overweight horses under stress!
How is hyperlipaemia treated?
Correct -ve energy balance with:
- Parenteral nutrition (10kcal/kg/day glucose CRI)
- Early enteral feeding if tolerated
- Address underlying disease (e.g., dehydration, infection)
- Monitor triglyceride levels
4-year-old dairy cow is laterally recumbent with:
T: 36.5°C
HR: 125 bpm, RR: Panting
Pale MM, CRT: 3s
Sunken eyes, skin tent 3s
Cold, hard, dark udder quarter exuding clear fluid
List the most likely differentials
How would you treat a cow with toxic mastitis?
Aggressive Fluid Therapy
- Hypertonic saline (4ml/kg IV) + isotonic fluids PO
- IV glucose (energy boost)
No antibiotics (E. coli likely already out of system)
IV NSAIDs
- e.g. flunixin (greatest anti-endotoxic effects)
Rumen stimulants
Udder Management
- Stripping of affected quarter
- +- Intramammary antibiotic + steroid therapy
A fresh-calved cow is:
- Cold, weak, pale, tachycardic, tachypnoeic, poor ruminal turnover
- Rapidly deteriorating
- Vaginal exam: Fresh blood, large clots
What is most likely diagnosis?
Severe post-partum hemorrhage (likely uterine artery rupture)
What are the key steps in treating postpartum haemorrhage in cattle?
Control Bleeding
- Rolled up towels inserted vaginally to apply internal pressure to uterine wall
- Oxytocin to help contract uterus (reducing size of tear & thus bleeding)
Fluid Resuscitation
- Hypertonic saline (4ml/kg IV) + isotonic oral fluids
Supportive Therapy
- NSAIDs (e.g., flunixin) to reduce endotoxemia
