large animal GI

Question 1

dysphagia

Answer 1

-prehension, mastication then deglutition. Any problems in this process may result in dysphagia.

clinical signs:
- nasal discharge from both nostrils with feed would mean past the mouth
-coughing
-salivation
-if chronic weight loss
-aspiration pneumonia
-CN deficits (decreased tongue tone or facial paralysis)

Question 2

causes of dysphagia

Answer 2

Pain:
* Dental disease
* Foreign body
* TMJ osteoarthritis

Obstruction:
* DDSP
* (Retro)pharyngeal abscess (strangles)
* Choke

Neurologic disorder:
* Guttural pouch mycosis
* Botulism
* EPM
* Facial nerve trauma
* THO

Question 3

diagnosing dysphagia

Answer 3

• History
• Physical exam
• Neurologic exam
• Oral exam
• Bloodwork
• Endoscopy
• Radiographs
• CT

Question 4

choke / esophageal disorders clinical signs

Answer 4

• Dysphagia
• Coughing
• Inappetence
• Ptyalism
• Colic signs
• Anxiety:
  -Tachycardia
  -Tachypnea

Question 5

diagnosing choke

Answer 5

• Signalment: Friesian - megaesophagus
• History:
• Feed (unsoaked beet pulp)*
• Previous choke
• Physical Exam
• Nasogastric intubation*** if we are unable to pass then we think choke. and best way to help relieve choke, 1st thing we do.
• Oral exam
• Endoscopy

Question 6

gastric ulcer signs

Answer 6

N o n -specific!
* Mild acute colic
* Recurring colic
* Poor body condition
* Partial anorexia
* Poor performance
* Attitude changes
* Frequent stretching to
urinate
* “Girthy”; behavior change

Question 7

diagnosis of gastric ulcers

Answer 7

-gastroscopy
-MUST BE FASTED 18 hours
-equine Squamous Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome = most common along the margo plicatus
-Equine Glandular Gastric Ulcer
Syndrome

there are squamous and pyloric lesion grading systems 1-4