Module 16 Week 3 Flashcards
(assessment of the horse with colic)
When taking a history of a portential colicing horse what should you ask?
When first noticed?
Owner intervention?
Any previous medications/therapy attempts?
Any previous veterinary visits?
Any pertinent history?
On physical examiniation of a potential colicing horse what should you look out for?
- Overall habitus and condition
- Pain, cardiovascular status, and abdominal distension
- Response to analgesics, such as flunixin meglumine and/or xylazine
- Rectal examination findings can be helpful if positive, but not if negative
In horses with large colon volvulus what are two marked thinsg to look for?
- pain
- abdominal distension
Why can small intestinal diseases start with severe pain and then the degree of pain decreases?
The horse becomes depressed
If the HR of the colicing horse is greater than 60 what should you do?
Stop taking HR and place nasogastric tube as the horses cannot vomit so this can lead to a ruptured stomach and the tube helps to relieve pressures.
When aus dorsal and venral quadrants on both sides of the horse what ahould you be listening for?
Gut sounds - as if none of this is not good.
When listening for caecal flush what side should you listen on and how often should you hear them every min?
RHS and a few every min.
When a horse is colicing, what should the abdominal shape look like?
Look like they have no waist and are super gas distended
Should you take the temperature when clinically examining a potential colic case?
Yes always - fever is indicative of enteritis/colitis/enterocolitis or other infection.
Should you take a horses temp before or after you rectal?
Before
Why must you always palpate scrotum and inguinal rings in EVERY intact male?
SI can herniate into the scrotum; enlarged cold/ hot feeling
How should you adequately restrain a horse for a rectum palpate?
Restraint
* Twitch
* Crush
* Sedation
+
Butylscopalamine (Buscopan®)
When rectal palpating, what should you be feeling for on LHS?
- Aorta
- Caudal pole of left kidney
- Spleen caudal edge
- Pelvic flexure of colon
- Bladder
When rectal palpating, what should you be feeling for on RHS?
caecal band
What sedation should you NOT use when going to perform a rectal examination of a horse?
Flunixin
What are the positive signs that tube is in esophagus not trachea?
- Negative pressure
- Visualization of tube LHS neck jugular groove
- Slight resistance to advancing
- No cough
- Stomach gas when in the stomach
What can go wrong when placing a nasogastric tube in the horse?
- Passing tube in middle/dorsal meatus
- Epistaxis
- Intubation of trachea
- Difficulty getting into the stomach, trauma to the oesophagus.
How shall you check for reflux after placing nasogastric tube in horsey?
- Pour in water using funnel and jug, use gravity to create a siphon
- Take note of how much fluid goes in
- Reposition tube back and forth and recheck
How should you remove the nasogastric tube from horse?
Blow air then kink, pull smoothly and quickly
What does increased PCV and decreased plasma protein indicate in a horse?
dehydration with protein loss into the intestinal lumen (severe mucosal ischemia or inflammation) or into the peritoneal cavity (peritonitis)
What should you look for in horses’ feaces when assessing for colic?
- Ileus will decrease faecal passage
- Mineral oil passage??
- Check for sand, parasites
- Impaction (large colon, cecum, small colon)
What is abdominocentesis used for?
It is used to collect peritoneal fluid for diagnostic analysis, helping to identify conditions such as peritonitis or ruptured bladder.
What instruments can be used for abdominocentesis?
A long cannula, teat cannula, or needle.
How is the centesis site determined?
By ultrasound or by selecting the most ventral (dependent) point on the right side of the linea alba.
What should be done with the peritoneal fluid sample after collection?
A second person should collect the sample and place it in EDTA and serum tubes.
What are two key things to remember when inserting the needle?
- Do not insert the entire needle at once—go quickly through the skin, then advance slowly while twisting.
2.Use a 19-gauge or smaller needle in foals to prevent omental prolapse.
Do you need to clip the entire ventral abdomen before performing abdominocentesis?
No, clipping the entire abdomen is not necessary.
Why is abdominocentesis riskier in foals compared to adult horses?
The risk of bowel puncture is significantly higher in foals.
When should abdominocentesis not be performed in foals?
When there is intestinal distension, as it increases the risk of complications.
Why should a larger needle (e.g., >19G) not be used in foals?
It increases the risk of omentum prolapse through the puncture site.
When should caution be used in pregnant mares when doing abdominocentesis?
Due to the risk of complications, abdominocentesis should either not be performed or done with extreme caution.
In which adult horses should abdominocentesis be performed with caution?
Horses with intestinal distension, as they have a higher risk of bowel puncture.
Why should abdominocentesis only be performed if the results will influence treatment?
To avoid unnecessary risks if the procedure will not change the clinical management.
Does normal peritoneal fluid rule out a strangulating lesion?
No, a horse can have a strangulating lesion even with normal peritoneal fluid analysis.
What should normal peritoneal fluid colour be?
Clear, Yellow, Non-cloudy.
Should WBC be high or low in normal peritoneal fluid?
Low
On an abdominal ultrasound of a colic horse, what should you be assessing?
- Free abdominal fluid
- Peritonitis
- Bowel wall thickness/edema
- SI strangulation vs. proximal enteritis- dilated SI on US
- Large colon disease
- Intussusception
- Nephrosplenic entrapment
List the analgesic drugs used to treat colic in horses?
- Butorphanol
- Detomidine
- Flunixin
- Xylazine
- Phenylbutazone
- Metamizol + Butylscopalamine (Buscopan compositum)
what kind of colic can be treated there and then?
- Non-GIT impaction
- LI gas colic
What kind of colic should be referred?
- LI thats not gas colic
- SI colic
What are the indications for surgery with colic cases?
Refractory Pain
Sepsis in the face of colic
Evidence of refractory small or large intestinal obstruction
Evidence of devitalized bowel
What kind of surgery do you do for colic?
Exploratory laparotomy/celiotomy
How do you prep horse for Exploratory laparotomy/celiotomy?
- Drugs: NSAIDs, antibiotics, tetanus
- Clip (and wash) abdomen (surgical site) if possible
- Rinse mouth, cover shoes, put on bandages etc (normal procedures before induction)
What should post-op care look like after a exploratory laparotomy/celiotomy?
- Drugs: NSAIDs, antibiotics
- Gastric decompression (NGT) as necessary
- Refeeding: gradual introduction of roughage (good quality hay, hay replacer pellets etc), grazing
- Incision care: keep clean and dry, bandage?
- Very limited exercise (hand-walking/ in-hand grazing)
What are the complications of surgery of colic?
- incisional swelling/infection
- Incisional dehiscence
- herniation
- Repeat colic
(Acute Colic of the Large Intestine)
Where does the ileum terminate?
The ileum terminates at the base of the caecum on the right side.
What is the cecocolic orifice, and what is its approximate size?
The cecocolic orifice is the opening between the caecum and the right ventral colon, approximately 3-4 cm in diameter.
Describe the pathway of the right ventral colon.
The right ventral colon travels cranially to the level of the xiphoid before turning caudally to become the left ventral colon.
What is the primary function of the caecum and ventral colon?
These structures are responsible for cellulose digestion and fermentation in hindgut fermenters.
What happens when the left ventral colon reaches the pelvic area?
It narrows at the pelvic flexure and turns dorsally to become the left dorsal colon.
Describe the pathway of the left dorsal colon.
The left dorsal colon travels cranially, turns at the diaphragm, and then continues caudally on the right side as the right dorsal colon.
How does the transverse colon travel in relation to the mesentery?
It travels from right to left, cranial to the root of the mesentery, then turns caudally to become the descending colon (small colon).
What is the clinical definition of the large colon in horses?
The large colon refers to the section of the inestine between the caecum and the transverse colon.
What is a primary caecal impaction?
Excessive accumulation of ingesta in the caecum
What is a secondary caecal impaction?
It develops while the horse is treated for another disease, so a complication of severe management changes like a horse being stalled up for a injury.
Describe the faecal material of a horse with a primary caecal impaction.
More dry/impacted
Describe the faecal material of a horse with a secondary caecal impaction.
More fluidy contents
What are the clinical signs for a horse with a caecal impaction?
- Gradual onset of pain over days
- Reduced faecal output
- Colic signs are mild, often intermittent.
How do you diagnose a caecal impaction?
Rectal examination
If on rectal examination of a horse, what are the findings for a primary caecal impaction?
Firm and enlarged caecum
Prominent ventral caecal band
Normal small intestine and colon
If on rectal examination of a horse, what are the findings for a secondary caecal impaction?
Caecum distended with semifluid fill
Tense ventral caecal band
Possible concurrent abnormalities in small intestine or colon
Why should you not delay surgery of a caecal impaction esp a secondary one?
There is a risk of rupture
What fluid thereapy can you use to help treat a caecal impaction?
Oral, isotonic electrolyte fluids
Why would laxatives be helpful to help treat a caecal impaction?
They draw more water into intestinal space as they are hyperosmotic.
What laxative should you use and how much?
MgSO4 and 0.5g/kg per via Nasogastric Tube once a Day (DO NOT exceed as it can cause Mg toxicity.
Why should you not use long lasting NSAIDS when treating a caecal impaction until diagnosed?
Long-lasting NSAIDs can mask signs of worsening impaction or rupture, delaying diagnosis and treatment. They also increase the risk of gastric ulcers and right dorsal colitis.
T/F caecal tympany usually presents as a seconday condition?
True True queen
What would cause Primary caecal tympany?
- Fermentation of lush grass
- Abrupt Diet change
What are the clinical signs of caecal tympany?
- Distention of abdomen, taut paralumbar fossae
- Pain, HR, RR
- Ping on auscultation
- Rectal: taut ventral caecal band (right dorsal to left ventral, cecum distended)
- Struggles with breathing as gas pushing against
- Gas also pushing against blood vessels so perfusion isn’t great
Where are colon impactions usually located?
Pelvic flexure and Right dorsal colon
What are risk factors for colon impactions?
Reduction in exercise, pain, diet, management changes, dental abnormalities and dehydration.
What are the clinical signs of a horse with a colonic impaction?
- Slow onset of mild colic.
- Fecal output reduced
- hard/dry feces, may be covered in mucus
- fairly normal on physical examination
- horses may be dehydrated and will become more painful if impaction unresolved
How do you diagnose a colon impaction?
Rectal exam Pookie - large impaction may not be palpated entirely and a pelvic flexure often moves into pelvic cavity
What NSAID should you use to treat a colon impaction?
Flunixin meglumine 1.1mg/Kg once certain its an impaction
What type of fluid therapy should you use in a horse with a colon impaction?
Enteral fluid via NGT
How should you manage a colon impaction patient?
- In the field this usually means that the horse will be seen and treated repeatedly (q 6-12h).
- Withhold feed until colic resolved.
- Repeat NGT until horse starts passing soft faeces.
- Repeat NSAIDs as needed (and use appropriate doses/intervals).
- Repeat rectal examination to ensure impaction is resolved.
What surgery can you do for a colon impaction?
Laparotomy with enterotomy at the pelvic flexure
What are enteroliths?
Enteroliths are intestinal stones, commonly composed of ammonium-magnesium-phosphate (struvite), that can cause simple obstructions in the large intestine.
What are enteroliths typically made of?
Enteroliths are commonly composed of ammonium-magnesium-phosphate (struvite) and have a polyhedral shape.
What dietary factors may contribute to enterolith formation?
A high intake of magnesium and protein may contribute to enterolith formation.
Where are enteroliths most commonly found in the equine digestive system?
Enteroliths are usually found in the right dorsal colon (RDC) and transverse colon.
What are the typical clinical signs of enterolith obstruction?
Horses with enterolith obstruction often exhibit episodic, mild to moderate, intermittent colic.
How do enteroliths cause obstruction?
Enteroliths can block the intestinal lumen, leading to distension of the intestine proximal to the obstruction.
How are enteroliths diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily made using radiographs to detect the presence of enteroliths.
What is the treatment for enterolith obstruction?
Surgical removal of the enterolith is required. The surgeon should also check for the presence of additional stones.
What horses is sand colic in commen?
Common in horses with access to sandy ground (esp if fed off the ground)
What is the pathophysiology of sand colic?
Fine sand accumulates in the ventral colon, coarse sand in the dorsal colon
How would you diagnose and treat sand colic?
Radiographs and treat by administartion of psyllium and Mg sulfate via NGT or an enterotomy
What are the causes of small colon impactions?
- enteroliths
- faecaliths
- FB
Can colitis predispose to Small colon impaction?
yes
What are clinical signs of a small colon impaction?
Mild, then increasing colic pain (accumulation of ingesta, gas)
On rectal what can help diagnose a small colon impaction?
Loops of tubular, firm, digesta-filled intestine (single taenia)
On US what can help with a diagnosis of a small colon impaction?
distended, amotile small colon with a thickened wall (>8 mm)
How should you medically manage a patient with a small colon obstruction?
- Enteral fluids (2–4 L every 4–6 h)
- Oral laxatives (SID magnesium sulfate, 1 g/kg in 6 L of water)
- Enemas?
- Flunixin meglumine
How should you surgically treat a patient with a small colon impaction?
Impaction is broken apart by intraluminal lavage with warm water, possibly enterotomy, R&A
What is large Colon Displacement
A condition where the large colon moves abnormally within the abdomen, potentially leading to obstruction.
What is a common Cause of Obstruction in Large Colon Displacement
Accumulation of gas and fluid due to colon migration.
Why is the Ascending Colon Prone to Displacement?
It is freely movable except for the Right Dorsal Colon (RDC) and ventral colons, allowing it to shift within the abdomen.
How Does Diet Contribute to Large Colon Displacement?
High-concentrate diets cause fermentation in the large intestine, leading to gas production and fluid secretion, which can contribute to displacement.
What is Nephrosplenic Entrapment?
A condition where the large intestine migrates between the spleen and the body wall, becoming trapped over the nephrosplenic ligament, often with a 180° twist. (LEFT)
What is the Nephrosplenic Ligament?
A short ligament joining the spleen to the left kidney.
Risk Factors for Left Dorsal Displacement?
More common in large breeds than small breeds.
Consequences of Left Dorsal Displacement?
Can cause obstruction and, in severe cases, strangulation of the intestine.
How is Left Dorsal Displacement Diagnosed?
Rectal examination and ultrasound
Medical Treatment for Left Dorsal Displacement?
- Prokinetics
- Phenylephrine IV drip (3-6 µg/kg/min over 15 min) to contract the spleen
- Exercise
Surgical Treatment for Left Dorsal Displacement?
Rolling under General Anaesthesia (GA)
Laparotomy (Good prognosis)
What is Right Dorsal Displacement of the Colon?
The left colons migrate to the right or cranial abdomen, often lodging between the caecum and right body wall.
Common Types of Right Dorsal Displacement?
Medial flexion
Lateral flexion (more common)
ossible Complication of Right Dorsal Displacement?
80° torsion at the base of the caecum, though perfusion is usually intact
How is Right Dorsal Displacement Diagnosed?
Ultrasound – mesenteric vessels visible on the right side.
Why Does Right Dorsal Displacement Cause Obstruction?
Often occurs with volvulus, leading to large intestine obstruction and gas distension.
Medical Treatment for Right Dorsal Displacement?
Prokinetics, IV and enteral fluids, exercise
Trocarisation of the caecum (if needed)
Risk Factors for Right Dorsal Displacement?
More common in larger horse breeds and associated with dietary change.
Surgical Treatment for Right Dorsal Displacement?
Majority require surgical correction, with a good prognosis.
What is Volvulus of the Large Intestine?
Rotation of the large intestine about its long axis, which can lead to obstruction, strangulation of blood supply, and death of intestinal tissue.
Signs of Severe Volvulus (>360°)?
Rapid abdominal distension, tympany of the gut, endotoxaemia, rapid dehydration, and endotoxaemic shock.
Which Animals are Most at Risk for Volvulus?
Post-parturient mares, large breeds of horse, and animals with recent dietary changes.
What is the treatment Window for Volvulus?
Surgical treatment is required within 2-4 hours of onset of colic signs.
What is the Clinical Significance of Rotation Degrees in Volvulus?
180°: Probably physiological
270°: Causes obstruction
360° or greater: Causes strangulation of blood supply, rapid abdominal distension, endotoxaemia, and is highly painful
Prognosis for Volvulus Based on Rotation?
< 360°: Good prognosis
Strangulating volvulus (>360°): Often poor prognosis
What is Rectal Prolapse?
Visible extrusion of rectal or intestinal tissue past the anal sphincter.
Classification of Rectal Prolapse: Type I
Only rectal mucosa projects through anus.
Causes of Rectal Prolapse?
Straining due to diarrhoea, dystocia, intestinal parasites, colic, eosinophilic proctitis, rectal tumours, rectal foreign bodies, or unknown causes.
Classification of Rectal Prolapse: Type III
Intussusception of small colon into rectum, along with Type II characteristics.
Classification of Rectal Prolapse: Type II
Complete prolapse of all or part of the rectal ampulla.
Classification of Rectal Prolapse: Type IV
Prolapse of small colon through anus.
General Therapy Approach for Rectal Prolapse
Reduce, replace, and retain.
Treatment for Type I Prolapse with Minimal Swelling?
Push back into the rectum and treat the primary issue. It may resolve when the animal stops straining.
Treatment for Type I or II Prolapse with Prolonged Exposure but No Devitalised Tissue?
Reduce oedema with glycerin, sugar, or magnesium sulfate
Administer epidural to decrease straining
Prevent recurrence with loose purse-string suture using umbilical tape (opened every 2-4 hours for rectal emptying)
No feeding for 12-24 hours
Administer mineral oil intragastrically or via enema
Provide a laxative diet for 10 days
What is the Most Common Cause of Rectal Tears?
Iatrogenic injury during rectal palpation.
Treatment for Type I or II Prolapse with Devitalised Tissue?
Follow steps for non-damaged tissue, plus submucosal resection if partial thickness damage or rectal prolapse amputation if full thickness damage.
Treatment Approach for Type III/IV Rectal Prolapse?
Monitor abdominal fluid for ischaemic damage
Consider laparoscopy, endoscopy, or colostomy
Prognosis is guarded due to potential loss of blood supply to the small colon
What are the classification of Rectal Tears?
Grade I: Mucosa and submucosa torn
Grade II: Only muscular layer disrupted, mucosa and submucosa prolapse
Grade IIIa: All layers except serosa involved
Grade IIIb: All layers except mesorectum involved
Grade IV: Full-thickness tear
How Do You Diagnose a Rectal Tear?
Fresh blood on rectal sleeve (except Grade II)
Direct visualisation (endoscope, tube speculum)
Careful bare-arm palpation
Abdominocentesis showing contamination
Risk Factors for Rectal Tears?
Miniature horses and young stallions (rear during rectal exams)
Geriatric horses (thinner rectal walls)
Large examiner hands relative to rectum size
Why is a Rectal Tear an Emergency?
Partial tears can quickly progress to full thickness, leading to peritonitis and shock within 2 hours.
Where Do Most Rectal Tears Occur?
Dorsally, 15-55 cm from the anus, where the rectum makes a downward turn.
Initial Treatment Goals for Rectal Tears?
Prevent a partial tear from becoming full thickness and manage shock/infection.
Immediate Steps for Rectal Tear Management?
Reduce rectal activity (epidural, atropine, butylscopolamine)
Gently remove faeces
Treat for septic shock and peritonitis (antibiotics, flunixin meglumine, IV fluids)
Pack the rectum (must extend fully from tear to anus)
Hospitalise and monitor
Prognosis for Rectal Tears?
Grade I: 93-100% survival
Grade IIIa: 38-70% survival
Grade IIIb: 38-69% survival
Grade IV: Usually fatal
Why are Rectal Tears a Legal Concern?
Common cause of malpractice suits. Veterinarians must show proper restraint, sedation, lubrication, and straining prevention. If a tear occurs, they must inform the owner, start treatment, and refer if needed.
How to Prevent Rectal Tears?
Proper restraint and sedation
Adequate lubrication
Do not force against straining
Do not palpate ahead of the hand—go past and then palpate
Treatment at Referral Centres for Rectal Tears?
Grade I & II: Antibiotics, laxatives, careful rectal emptying
Grade III: Conservative therapy (frequent faeces removal, antibiotics, packing, epidural catheters)
Surgical options: Rarely pursued, may include rectal liner placement, colostomy, or suture repair
(Acute Colic Small Intestine)
What are the three sections of the small intestine?
Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
How long is the equine small intestine, and what is its capacity?
Over 20 metres long with a capacity of about 60 litres.
What is the transit time of ingested material through the small intestine?
30 to 120 minutes.
What are the main functions of the small intestine?
Enzymatic digestion of food using pancreatic juices
Absorption of simple sugars, amino acids, free fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E), and minerals
Why is spasmodic colic also called “gas colic”?
It is caused by dysmotility and excessive spasms, leading to gas accumulation and mild cramping.
What are the clinical signs of spasmodic colic?
Mild to moderate colic signs, but no abnormalities on rectal exam, NGT, blood tests, or peritoneal fluid.
What are possible causes of spasmodic colic?
Unclear, but suspected factors include parasites, weather changes, and diet.
How is spasmodic colic treated?
NSAIDs and spasmolytics.
Which horses are most at risk for ascarid impactions?
Weanlings and those with poor deworming programmes.
When do ascarid impactions most often occur?
After administration of anthelmintics.
How can ascarid impactions be prevented?
By following a strategic deworming programme.
What is the prognosis for severe ascarid impactions?
gaurded
What are the primary causes of ileal impaction?
Feeding of low-fibre hay (e.g., Coastal Bermuda hay)
Tapeworm infections
Why is the ileum particularly prone to impaction?
It is shorter and thicker than other sections of the small intestine, making it a common site for obstruction.
Clinical signs of ileal impaction?
Moderate to severe colic
Rectally palpable loops of small intestine
Impaction may or may not be palpable
Reflux develops later in disease
Peritoneal fluid remains normal
Treatment options for ileal impaction?
Medical: IV fluids, enteric fluids via NGT, and laxatives
Surgical: Manual breakdown of impaction into the caecum, enterotomy if needed
What are adhesions, and when do they form?
Fibrous bands forming between bowel, organs, or body wall due to inflammation, commonly post-surgery.
Clinical significance of adhesions?
Can be clinically silent, cause chronic colic, or lead to acute obstruction.
Strategies to prevent adhesion formation?
Minimise serosal injury with early intervention and careful surgical technique
Reduce inflammation with anti-inflammatories and physical separation of inflamed surfaces (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose, hyaluronidase)
Encourage early return of intestinal motility
What causes small intestinal ischaemia?
Simultaneous occlusion of the intestinal lumen and its blood supply, leading to rapid mucosal damage and sepsis.
What are the two types of strangulation?
Haemorrhagic: Veins occluded first → dark lesion
Ischaemic: Veins and arteries occluded simultaneously → pale lesion
Clinical signs of small intestinal ischaemia?
Severe colic with intermittent response to analgesia
Profound depression due to sepsis
HR >60 bpm, congested mucous membranes, CRT >2 sec
Reflux and distended small intestine loops on rectal exam
How is small intestinal ischaemia diagnosed?
Abdominocentesis: Serosanguinous fluid, ↑ protein (>20 mg/L), ↑ WBC (>10x10⁹ cells/L), ↑ lactate
Ultrasound
Prognosis for small intestinal ischaemia?
Poor, due to high risk of adhesions and long surgical time.
What is epiploic foramen entrapment?
The small intestine becomes trapped in the epiploic foramen (3-8 cm opening near the 14th rib).
Risk factors for epiploic foramen entrapment?
Crib-biting and windsucking.
Treatment and prognosis for epiploic foramen entrapment?
Treatment: Surgical resection
Prognosis: 74-79% survival post-surgery
What is a pedunculated mesenteric lipoma?
A fatty tumour that grows in the mesentery, forming a stalk that wraps around the intestine, causing strangulation.What horses are most at risk for mesenteric lipomas?
Olderhorses are most at risk of mesenteric lipomas?
Older horses (>12 years), geldings, ponies, and obese horses.
Treatment for mesenteric lipoma?
Surgical resection.
What is small intestinal volvulus?
A twist along the mesenteric axis (>180°) leading to obstruction and vascular compromise.
Clinical signs of small intestinal volvulus?
Acute colic
Distended abdomen
Loops of small intestine visible on ultrasound and radiographs
Prognosis for small intestinal volvulus?
Resection needed
Poor prognosis if >50% of small intestine is affected
What is an inguinal hernia?
Small intestine passes into the vaginal tunic via the vaginal ring, commonly in foals or post-breeding stallions.
How are inguinal hernias treated?
Surgical correction
Affected testicle is usually castrated
What is a strangulating umbilical hernia?
A rare complication of umbilical hernias in foals, presenting as a warm, swollen, painful hernia sac.
Treatment for strangulating umbilical hernia?
Surgical intervention.
(Oral lesions, pertonitis, abomasal conditions)
What are the key presenting signs of oral disease in farm animals?
Anorexia, trouble eating, quidding, hypersalivation, swollen face, weight loss.
What are the steps of a thorough oral examination?
- Observe from a distance (symmetry).
- Proper restraint with halter.
- Palpate mandible and cervical lymph nodes.
- Open mouth, check breath and teeth.
- Use a Houseman’s gag for a full oral exam.
- Examine tongue, hard palate, and use a head torch.
Name four notifiable diseases that cause oral lesions.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Vesicular Stomatitis, Bluetongue, Rinderpest.
What are the key infectious causes of oral lesions in farm animals?
Bovine Papular Stomatitis, Mucosal Disease (BVD PI), Malignant Catarrhal Fever, Calf Diphtheria.
What are the key bacterial causes of oral lesions?
Actinobacillosis (Wooden Tongue) and Actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw).
What conditions can be mistaken for oral lesions but are not true oral diseases?
Trauma, Dental Disease, Photosensitisation (affects nose/eyelids but not inside the mouth).
What are the clinical signs of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)?
Vesicles, erosions, ulcerations, pyrexia, rapid spread, multiple animals affected, foot lesions.
How does Bovine Papular Stomatitis present?
Irregular, ring-type lesions in young animals (<2 years), no systemic illness, self-limiting.
How can you differentiate Mucosal Disease (BVD PI) from other oral conditions?
Poor-doing animal, ulcers, diarrhoea.
What is a key diagnostic clue for Malignant Catarrhal Fever?
Crusting and hyperaemic nose, necrosis in mouth, corneal opacity, lymph node enlargement, history of sheep exposure.
How does Actinobacillosis (Wooden Tongue) present?
Firm, swollen tongue with minimal movement, hypersalivation, anorexia, enlarged lymph nodes.
What are the clinical signs of Actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw)?
Hard, immovable swelling of the jaw (mandible), loose teeth, difficulty masticating.
What is the cause of Bovine Papular Stomatitis, and how is it treated?
Poxvirus; self-limiting, no treatment needed, zoonotic risk.
What bacteria cause Calf Diphtheria?
Fusobacterium necrophorum (gram-negative anaerobe).
How do you treat Calf Diphtheria?
Oxytetracycline (Oxytet) or TMPS for 5 days, steroids if laryngeal chondritis is present.
What is the treatment for Actinobacillosis (Wooden Tongue)?
Streptomycin (aminoglycoside), Penicillin and Strep for 7 days, or Oxytetracycline.
What is the best treatment for Actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw)?
Penicillin +/- sodium iodide IV (repeat after 1-2 weeks).
How do you manage oral trauma in farm animals?
NSAIDs, broad-spectrum antibiotics (if needed), nursing care, prognosis depends on severity.
What are the key acute GI conditions (<2 days onset)?
Winter dysentery, abomasal displacement, ruminal bloat, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction.
What are the key chronic GI conditions (>3 days onset)?
Johne’s disease, parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE), sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA), abomasal impaction, ceacl dilation, vagal indigestion, local perotonitis and neoplasia.
What signs indicate GI disease in farm animals?
Weight loss, diarrhoea, abnormal faeces colour, anorexia, abdominal pain, bloating, colic.
What are the key signs of Ruminal Bloat?
Swelling in the left paralumbar fossa, high HR & RR, ping on percussion, lack of eructation.
How can you differentiate between Free Gas Bloat and Frothy Bloat?
Free Gas Bloat: Gas released with a stomach tube, possible blockage. Frothy Bloat: No gas released with a stomach tube, caused by pasture or grain.
How do you treat Ruminal Bloat?
Free Gas Bloat: Stomach tube or trocar. Frothy Bloat: Remove from pasture, give anti-foaming agents (vegetable oil), encourage walking.
What are the key features of Haemorrhagic Bowel Disease?
High-yielding dairy cows, melena, shock, poor prognosis.
How does Peritonitis present in farm animals?
Pyrexia, gut stasis, rectal exam shows lack of movement, ultrasound may show free fluid.
How do you diagnose Vagal Indigestion?
Papple shaped abdomen, poor eructation, reduced ruminal contractions, enlarged rumen.
How do you manage Vagal Indigestion?
Identify and treat underlying cause, stomach tubing, exploratory laparotomy, poor prognosis.
What are the key medical treatments for GI disease in farm animals?
Steroids, fluids (with potassium & chlorine), NSAIDs, probiotics, transfaunation, liquid paraffin, antibiotics if needed.
What are the indications for GI surgery?
Distended organ on rectal exam, anorexia, colic, dehydration, HR >80 BPM, poor response to medical therapy.
What does black faeces indicate in farm animals?
Melena (abomasal ulcer, caudal vena cava syndrome).
What does fresh blood in faeces suggest?
Possible iatrogenic cause, coccidiosis, large intestine disease.
What does mucus & fibrin without faeces indicate?
Complete GI obstruction.
What are the signs of Abomasal Impaction?
Swelling in the right ventral abdomen, dehydration, reduced or absent rumen contractions.
How do you treat Abomasal Impaction?
Liquid paraffin, fluids with K+ and Cl-, calcium, exploratory laparotomy if severe.
What are Trichobezoars, and what issues do they cause?
Hairballs that can lead to intestinal obstruction and abomasal ulceration.
