Veterinary Medicine: Intestinal Obstruction in Horses
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Veterinary Medicine: Intestinal Obstruction in Horses

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@CalmingViolin

Questions and Answers

What are the physical causes of intestinal obstruction classified as?

  • Obstruction, motility disorders, and vascular compromise
  • Torsion, hernia, and diverticulitis
  • Luminal blockage, infarction, and functional obstruction (correct)
  • Perforation, inflammation, and foreign bodies
  • Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of luminal blockage in horses?

  • Impaction of the ileocecal valve
  • Phytobezoars from licking and chewing
  • Enteroliths in the large bowel
  • Chronic inflammation of the intestines (correct)
  • What is a common complication associated with paralytic ileus in horses?

  • Increased intestinal motility
  • Dilation of the cecum only
  • Fluid accumulation in the thorax
  • Dehydration and abdominal pain (correct)
  • Which of the following intestinal accidents can cause obstruction?

    <p>Intussusception and volvulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is likely to result in paralytic ileus during surgery?

    <p>Intestinal distention for several days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symptom is associated with complicated gastric ulcer cases that involve hemorrhage?

    <p>Melena</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which treatment is known to inhibit gastric acid production and enhance healing of gastric ulcers in horses?

    <p>Omeprazole</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common diagnostic method for detecting blood in feces related to gastric ulcers?

    <p>Fecal occult blood analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom would likely indicate a gastric ulcer complication due to perforation?

    <p>Severe anorexia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following treatments is classified as a coagulant and hematinic used against hemorrhage and anemia?

    <p>Thrombin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Clinical Findings in Gastric Ulcers

    • Gastric ulcers often present without noticeable clinical signs; symptoms vary between uncomplicated and complicated cases.
    • Uncomplicated Cases:
      • Mild intermittent anorexia and abdominal pain.
      • Can present with either constipation or diarrhea.
    • Complicated Cases:
      • With Hemorrhage:
        • Melena: black or tarry feces indicates bleeding.
        • Pale mucous membranes point to anemia.
        • Sudden death can occur due to severe complications.
      • With Perforation:
        • Severe anorexia and intermittent diarrhea may present with tarry feces.
        • Fluctuating fever may indicate peritonitis; often, the spleen is affected.

    Diagnosis of Gastric Ulcers

    • Collected data includes:
      • Patient history and symptoms.
      • Fecal occult blood analysis to identify hidden blood.
    • Instrumentation Techniques:
      • Radiography assists in diagnostics.
      • Endoscopy is the most precise method for diagnosis.

    Treatment Options for Gastric Ulcers

    • Alkalinizing Agents:
      • Neutralize stomach acidity; common options include magnesium hydroxide, carbonate, or trisilicate.
      • Omeprazole specifically inhibits acid production promoting healing.
    • Coagulants and Hematinics:
      • Address issues of hemorrhage and anemia using vitamin K, calcium, vitamin C, thrombin, iron, copper, B12, and folic acid; products like Homoscon and Fercobsang are examples.
    • Histamine H-Receptor Antagonists:
      • Effective treatments include cimetidine (Zantac) and ranitidine.
    • Dietary Changes:
      • Soft foods recommended to avoid physical irritation of the ulcerated area.
    • Surgical options may be considered in severe cases, particularly for foals.

    Gastric Dilatation in Horses

    • Defined as a syndrome showing signs of abdominal pain, sometimes associated with projectile vomiting.

    Acute Intestinal Obstruction in Horses

    • Comprising both small and large intestine sections:
      • Small intestine: Duodenum, Jejunum, Ileum.
      • Large intestine: Cecum, large colon, small colon.
    • Etiology:
      • Physical obstruction causes luminal blockage.
      • Infarction can occur alongside obstruction.
      • Paralytic ileus presents functional obstruction without blockage.

    Types of Intestinal Blockage

    • Luminal Blockage:
      • Caused by foreign bodies, strings, hair, and indigestible material.
      • May include ileocecal valve impaction.
    • Intestinal Accidents:
      • Conditions like intussusception, mesenteric torsion, and strangulation.
    • Paralytic Ileus:
      • Result of prolonged intestinal distention or post-surgical complications.

    Diagnosis of Intestinal Obstruction

    • Based on patient history, clinical signs, and lab findings:
      • Hemoconcentration, severe hypokalemia, significant blood acidosis, elevated BUN, and potential leukopenia.

    Treatment for Intestinal Obstruction

    • Fluid therapy comprising 10-15% body weight; IV administration recommended.
    • Use of corticosteroids like dexamethasone.
    • Antibiotics and antihistamines can also be utilized.

    Equine Colic

    • A syndrome characterized by abdominal pain due to alimentary tract issues.
    • Types include acute colic, subacute colic, and sand colic.

    Acute Colic Etiology

    • Caused by factors such as gastric dilatation, impaction, gas accumulation, and intestinal accidents including volvulus and strangulation.
    • Enteritis may occur with sand ingestion leading to sandy colic.

    Clinical Signs and Diagnosis of Colic

    • Indicators include severe abdominal pain, altered defecation, and gut sound changes.
    • Diagnosis involves case history, clinical observation, radiography, and fecal examination.

    Treatment for Colic

    • Anthelmintics, supportive treatments, fluid therapy, and possibly surgical intervention may be required.

    Sand Colic Description

    • A form of acute colic due to ingestion of sand causing gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction.

    Diagnosis and Management of Nasal Conditions

    • History and clinical signs must be evaluated.
    • Examination of nasal cavities through visual inspection and endoscopy is critical.

    Treatment for Nasal Bleeding

    • Treat identified causes; if unknown, symptomatic approaches include cold packs, gauze with adrenaline, vasoconstrictors, and potential transfusions if severe.

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    Description

    This quiz assesses knowledge on intestinal obstruction causes in horses, including physical causes, potential luminal blockages, and associated complications like paralytic ileus. It covers various intestinal accidents and conditions leading to these issues, focusing on practical veterinary concepts.

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