Equine Eye Conditions and Treatments

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of topical atropine in the management of eye conditions?

To promote healing of corneal ulcers

To prevent synechiae and provide analgesia (correct)

To enhance tear production

To induce pupil constriction

Which method is NOT typically used for the direct application of topical antimicrobials?

Ointments or solutions

Oral administration (correct)

Sub-conjunctival injection

Lavage system

What is a common outcome for deep corneal ulceration?

Complete resolution without scarring

Re-epithelialisation without complications

Temporary visual deficits with no permanent effects

Formation of neovascularisation and granulation tissue (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a surgical intervention for corneal ulcers?

Ocular lubricants Signup and view all the answers

Which systemic NSAID is considered the best for analgesia and anti-inflammatory action in eye conditions?

Flunixin meglumine Signup and view all the answers

What therapy is specifically used to treat or prevent keratomalacia?

Topical anti-collagenase therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of enucleation in racehorses?

Permanent visual deficits Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of equine uveitis?

Immune-mediated reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical sign associated with hyperlipaemia in horses?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

What biochemical changes are expected in a horse with liver disease?

Increase in triglycerides and GLDH Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is least associated with evaluating kidney disease?

Bone marrow biopsy Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is commonly used to increase renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?

IV fluid therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of vitamin D toxicity in horses?

Altered calcium homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What direct effect does myoglobin have in cases of pigment nephropathy?

Chelates nitric oxide Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is used as an osmotic diuretic in treating renal disease?

Mannitol Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is most strongly associated with the need to remove the inciting cause for treatment?

Hepatic lipidosis Signup and view all the answers

What test assesses tubular function in diagnosing kidney disease?

Fractional excretion of electrolytes Signup and view all the answers

What clinical sign might indicate renal failure at an advanced stage?

Oliguria/anuria Signup and view all the answers

What defines a strangulating GI lesion?

Blood supply to the intestine is compromised, leading to ischaemia. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign suggestive of referral for intensive care or surgery?

Decreased or absent GI sounds Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when transporting a horse for referral?

Stopping during transportation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs should NOT be used as an analgesic in horses?

Acepromazine Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using laxatives in horses?

To combat feed impactions. Signup and view all the answers

What does peritoneal fluid appearance suggest about a strangulating lesion?

Serosanguinous fluid suggests ischaemia. Signup and view all the answers

Which therapeutic approach is advised for horses with decreased GI motility?

Avoid repeated administration of drugs that decrease GI motility. Signup and view all the answers

Identifying lesions in which organ is NOT part of the diagnostic questions?

Kidneys Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the circumference of a horse's girth and its body weight?

It is less accurate in foals, ponies, and horses with extreme body condition scores. Signup and view all the answers

Which scoring system is not used to assess body condition in horses?

Weight scoring system (1-10) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the quality of feed provided to horses?

Horse's age Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of weight loss in horses related to feed intake?

Inadequate feed quantity or quality Signup and view all the answers

What dental abnormalities are included in the assessment of dental disease in horses?

Sharp points, hooks, ramps, and missing molar teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is a standard method for assessing internal parasitism in horses?

Faecal egg count (FEC) Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the treatment plan for horses suffering from parasitism?

Larvicidal deworming and monitoring FEC Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a less common cause of weight loss in horses?

Severe metabolic disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for spasmodic colic?

Analgesics and addressing the primary problem Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract?

Flatulent/Gas colic Signup and view all the answers

What should be done for a horse with gastric dilation/impaction who is experiencing spontaneous gastric reflux?

Insert a nasogastric tube immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a potential cause of colic according to the outlined common causes?

Nutritional deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is appropriate for colitis?

Antimicrobials tailored to specific aetiologies Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical action in managing biosecurity for horses with acute diarrhea?

Physically isolate affected horses from other horses Signup and view all the answers

Which gastrointestinal condition typically has mild to severe colic with spontaneous gastric reflux?

Gastric dilation/impaction Signup and view all the answers

In treating gastroduodenal ulceration, which drug category should be avoided?

NSAIDs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended action for managing large intestinal feed impaction?

Providing laxatives and rehydration Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic sign of peritonitis?

Inflammation of the peritoneal cavity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eye Conditions and Treatments

Corneal swab or scraping aids in identifying bacterial and fungal infections.
Diagnostic techniques include fundic examination, Schirmer tear test, and slit lamp exam.
Topical antimicrobial therapy can involve antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral agents with direct applications or via lavage systems.
Atropine is used for mydriasis and cycloplegia, aiding pain relief and preventing synechiae.
Systemic NSAIDs like flunixin meglumine best for analgesia and inflammation; not provided topically due to irritation.
Protective face masks with solid eye cups prevent trauma and reduce photophobia.
A range of topical anti-collagenase therapies and surgical interventions available for keratomalacia and deep ulcer repair.
Prognosis for corneal ulcers varies: superficial ulcers may heal with re-epithelialization, while deep ulcers risk scarring and permanent visual deficits.

Equine Uveitis

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uveal tract, often presenting acutely or becoming chronic.
Causes include trauma, immune-mediated processes, liver enzyme alterations, dermatitis, and weight loss.
Diagnosis involves ultrasounds and biopsies to check liver function and assess underlying conditions.

Hyperlipaemia in Horses

Common in miniature breeds due to negative energy balance leading to triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes.
Clinical signs include depression, anorexia, neurological symptoms, and hepatic insufficiency.
Biochemical markers show increased triglycerides and liver enzymes but decreased pH.

Liver Disease Management

Key strategies involve removing causative factors, addressing negative energy balance, and providing nutritional support.
Antimicrobials used in cholangiohepatitis based on culture results; sedation may be necessary for behavior control.

Urinary Tract Disease in Horses

Clinical signs of renal failure include polyuria, oliguria, hematuria, and weight loss, while bladder diseases present with incontinence and discomfort.
Diagnostic tests like hemato-biochemistry, urinalysis, and imaging are crucial for assessing kidney health.
Toxic renal nephropathy can stem from certain drugs or severe dehydration, leading to significant kidney damage.

Colic in Horses

Most equine colic cases respond to medical therapy, with conditions often being idiopathic.
Main causes include spasmodic colic from stress, gas accumulation, feed impaction, gastric dilation, and ulcers.
Gastric issues may lead to severe complications; therefore, timely interventions and diagnostics are essential.

Biosecurity Principles

All horses showing signs of diarrhea should be treated as infectious, necessitating strict isolation and hygiene measures.
Routine monitoring of environmental pathogen loads and outbreak investigations contributes to effective control.

Factors Contributing to Weight Loss

Inadequate Feed: Address quality and quantity gradually, supplementing with calorie-rich feeds when needed.
Dental Disease: Regular dental care and correction of abnormalities are essential for maintaining health.
Parasitism: Monitor for parasites, utilize larvicidal treatments, and implement parasite control strategies.

General Diagnostic Tools and Procedures

Body condition scoring provides insight into the equine health status; varies between models.
Lab diagnostics include assessments of anemia, inflammation, hepatic and renal function.
Advanced imaging techniques and endoscopies may be employed for deeper investigation.

Additional Notes

Transporting horses for referral requires sensitive handling to reduce stress and potential health risks.
Caution advised against certain analgesic and laxative treatments that could exacerbate gastrointestinal issues.
Ongoing assessments and adjustments to care based on clinical responses are essential for optimal management of equine health conditions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the various eye conditions affecting horses, including diagnostic techniques and treatment options. This quiz covers essential information about corneal ulcers, uveitis, and the use of therapeutic agents for eye care. Understand the prognosis and implications of these conditions on equine health.