Medical colic (Yr 4) Flashcards
what are indications that a colic is suitable for medical treatment?
mild-moderate pain
good response to analgesia
HR <50
continued/improving GI motility
no net reflux
resolving/no abdominal distention
normal peritoneal fluid
normal PCV, TP, lactate
what is a good first line analgesic for mild/moderate colic pain?
phenylbutazone
what is the risk with using flunixin meglumine for treating colic medically?
masks possible signs of SIRS (endotoxaemia)
how strong is flunixin meglumine as an analgesic?
potent (strongest NSAID)
how long does xylazine work for?
30 minutes (is fast acting)
what alpha 2 agonists could be used for analgesia of colics?
xylazine
romifidine
detomidine
what is romifidine usually combined with?
butorphanol (opioid)
what are some possible analgesics classes to use for medical colic management?
NSAIDs, alpha 2 agonist, opiates
what is the main opioid used for first opinion colic cases?
butorphanol
what does butylcopolamine do?
smooth muscle relaxant (buscopan)
what is the strongest NSAID for colic pain management?
flunixin meglumine
when is flunixin acceptable to use in first opinion colic cases?
if referral is not an option and horse is very painful
when exact diagnosis is known and medical treatment is appropriate
if decision to refer has already been made
how much water should you give a horse for oral rehydration?
4-6 litres every 4 hours
should oral or IV fluids be used for large colon impactions?
oral - helps to hydrate the ingesta
how does the cardiovascular system parameters present with spasmodic colic cases?
normal
how is spasmodic colic treated?
butylscopolamine with NSAIDs
what are some medical colics?
spasmodic
large colon impaction
caecal impactions
gastric impactions
large intestinal displacement/distention
sand colic
what is a common cause of large colon impaction?
recent increase in stabling
what is the typical clinical finding on a large colon impaction case?
on rectal exam there is doughy firm structure on caudal left abdomen
what causes secondary large colon impactions?
primary small intestinal lesions (don’t confuse with primary impactions as they often need surgery)
what is an important risk factor for causing caecal impactions?
horses receiving sedation/pain medication for other conditions
what is a possible medical treatment for gastric impactions?
carbonated drink (gastric lavage)
IV fluids
when is it acceptable to manage a large intestinal displace/distention medically?
normal CV parameters
not severe pain
no marked gas distention of large colon
what initial medically therapy would be used for large intestinal displacement/distention?
analgesia
light walk/trot/exercise
oral fluids
withhold feed until faeces
