Risk Factors & Pathophysiology of Colic Flashcards
Define colic
a demonstration of symptoms that are interpreted as evidence of abdominal pain
What are some behavioral indications of colic in adult horses?
- pawing the ground
- looking at flank
- stretched/camp out
- kicking at abdomen
- pointing at abdomen with nose
- flehmen response
what are behaviors that foals do that indicate they have colic?
any that adults exhibit PLUS…
1. suckle for 2-3 sec then drop off
2. down, frog-legged, on back/showing abdomen
3. straining
what is the most common form of colic?
spasmotic / gas / simple colic
out of 100 horses, what is the avg # horses that colic per year?
4 and most will be simple gas colics
what time of year do the largest # of colics occur?
spring – lush grass
what is the historical health related event that is associated with repeat colic?
previous colic surgery
horses are very prone to adhesion formation and this can lead to trapped bowel and cause recurrent colic.
What % of colic cases actually undergo surgery?
4%
What about a horses current-day diet can increase the risk of colic?
The feed that horses are fed present day is usually concentrate (high in carbs), complete feed (high in fiber), etc. but horses do not actually need these feeds as long as they have access to high quality pasture.
what are the 5 local hay types?
- fescue
- timothy
- orchard grass
- clover
- alfalfa
Of the 5 local hays, which hays are legumes and which are grass?
grass hays = fescue, timothy, orchard grass
legumes = alfalfa, clover
which hay type (grass vs legume) provides MORE protein on per lb basis?
Legume hay
Of the 2 hay types (legumes vs grass) which tends to be MORE calorically dense?
Legumes
Of the hay types (grass vs legumes), which tends to be higher in calcium?
Legumes
What is the difference between 1st cutting hay and 2nd cutting? Which is better?
1st cutting – had a long grow period (winter–> spring); dense, coarse texture
2nd cutting – better because grew again after being cut in the the spring; softer, more palatable and nutrient dense.
What are 4 characteristics of hay quality can you judge stall-side?
- when during its development was it cut?
- what is the ratio of leaf to stem
- is there dust and/or mold in the hay?
- is the hay soft to touch?
How can you tell maturity and quality based on seed head?
Ideally JUST BEFORE the seed head emerges, this is the BEST for making horse hay because it is most nutritious. This is otherwise known as the BOOT.
The more the seed grows after emerging, the poorer nutrition and palability.
What is the BEST leaf to stem ratio / most nutrition for the horse?
at least 50% leaf (the leaf is more nutritious that stem)
ideally more.
What does dust/mold on hay indicate?
the hay was not cured properly
what are 2 plants that can get into hay and cause pain upon being eaten because they contain briers?
- horse nettle
- pigweed
What vitamins and minerals should horses always have access to?
vitamin E
Selenium
NaCl
what are dietary factors that increase the risk of colic?
- placing on pasture too quickly/suddenly
- rapid change in feed
- concentrate
- prolonged periods between feeding (no constant ingestion)
Describe how horse owners shoudl switch from one type of grain to another and how they should introduce their horses to spring pasture?
SLOWLY
T/F: providing plenty access to fresh water can reduce colic risk
true
What type of activity can decrease colic risk?
At least 1-2 hours of consistent, predictable movement per day that is not too strenuous.
What preventative care things can decrease risk of colic?
- deworming
- dentistry
- vaccination
- biosecurity
Which 2 types/locations of colic are considered emergencies and require IMMEDIATE attention because horses are much less tolerant of this type?
- stomach
- small intestine
also regardless of location, any lesion that interrupts blood flow is an emergency!
Which 4 lesion locations causing colic are LESS severe because the horse is more tolerant of them?
- cecum
- large colon
- transverse colon
- small colon
also regardless of location, any lesion that interrupts blood flow is an emergency!
What are physical parameters that may indicate poorer prognosis for colic?
- elevated HR
- elevated RR
- febrile
- acidemia
- elevated PCV
- elevated serum protein
- decreased WBC count
- changes in peritoneal fluid (color, WBCs, ad protein)
T/F: the window for opportunity in cases of small intestine lesions is very narrow
true
T/F: the window for opportunity in cases of strangulating lesions of ANY part of the GI tract is very narrow
true
