Management of equine colic

Question 1

Describe flunixin

Answer 1

licensed for colic
lasts up to 24hrs
1.1 mg/kg IV
dont refeed until 24hrs after last dose

Question 2

Describe phenylbutazone

Answer 2

4.4mg/kg IV
less potent
not licensed for colic

Question 3

Describe hyoscine

Answer 3

0.1-0.3mg/kg IV
short acting analgesia for spasmodic colic
useful to aid transrectal palpation
side effect of tachycardia

Question 4

What are examples of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists?

Answer 4

xylazine- 0.4mg/kg IV or IM

detomidine- 0.01mg/kg IV or IM

Question 5

What are examples of opiods?

Answer 5

butorphanol
morphine
ketamine
lidocaine

Question 6

What are the maintenance requirements of a adult horse?

Answer 6

60ml/kg/day

Question 7

What are the maintenance requirements of a foal?

Answer 7

100 ml/kg/day

Question 8

Describe enteral fluid therapy

Answer 8

place nasogastric tube and confirm no reflux
give isotonic liquid (NaCl and NaCl/KCl with water)
repeat every 30 mins- 2hrs
walk to speed gastric emptying

Question 9

What are the goals of the therapy of impaction?

Answer 9

soften impaction/ ease passage
increase motility
maintain comfort

Question 10

How can the impaction be soften?

Answer 10

repeated high volume gastric lavage
coke administration (1-2L)
CRI isotonic enteral fluids

Question 11

How can motility be stimulated?

Answer 11

walking

bethanechol

Question 12

How can a large colon impaction be aided?

Answer 12

soften impaction:
- isotonic enter fluid (5L every hour)
- MgS04/Epsom salt (once)
- liquid parraffin
IV fluids

Increase motility:

• hand walk for 5 mins every hour
• flunixin to maintain comfort

Question 13

What can be used for left dorsal displacement?

Answer 13

phenylephrine
lunge horse in trot for 15 mins after adminsitration
assess by US and repeat transrectal palpation

Question 14

Describe percutaenous caecal trocharisation

Answer 14

performed to reduce gas distention of the caecum in large colon impactions or displacements
significant risk of periotonitis
used as last resort when surgery not an option
US to determine site

Question 15

How can enteritis be treated?

Answer 15

lidocaine
frequent gastric decompression
antimicrobials

Question 16

How can a sand impaction be diagnosed?

Answer 16

Identify risk from history
Faecal test (mix with water in glove, sand sediments)
Diagnosis confirmed by radiography

Question 17

How can sand impaction be treated?

Answer 17

Psyllium by NGT

Surgery

Question 18

What are some postoperative complications?

Answer 18

• ileus
• anaesthesia risks
• laminitis
• jugular vein thrombosis
• peritonitis

Question 19

Describe postoperative ileus

Answer 19

increased risk- SI lesions especially resection and anastomosis
management= IV fluids, prokinetics, frequent gastric decompression

Question 20

What drugs can treat postoperative ileus?

Answer 20

lidocaine

metaclopramide