Colic (Maxwell)

Question 1

simple vs complex colics

Answer 1

Simple = gas (spasmodic) colics (diagnosed fairly easily and will resolve easily) – WNL HR, responds to banamine-90-95% of colic cases

Complex = requires more extensive diagnostics (NG tube, bloodwork) and clinical signs more dramatic (large reflux produced, dehydration, protein-losing enteropathy)//more complex history. Does not respond to conservative tx; net reflux, evidence of shock, etc.

Question 2

Etiologies of elevated PCV in horses

WNL = 30-44%

Answer 2

• dehydration
• increased splenic contractions due to increased sympathetic tone in response to pain/discomfort

Question 3

What does it mean when a horse rolls onto its back?

Answer 3

in response to abdominal pain/colic
- look for evidence of self trauma (e.g., abrasions on face) from rolling in stalls, rubbing their head agasint the gorund over and over again

rolling = mechanical way to try and move stuff (gas, fluid pockets) around to get some relief

Question 4

3 etiologies of colic

Answer 4

Inflammation, Obstruction, Strangulation

Question 5

How does inflammation cause colic

Answer 5

inflammation reduces motility, bowel wall thickening, and intraluminal accumulation of ingesta

Inflammation colic usually responds to medical tx

Question 6

How do GI obstructions cause colic?

Answer 6

increased intraluminal pressure strains the gut wall, collapses capillary beds in the wall, and causes tissue injury

food & fluid accumulate on oral side of blockage, distending bowel

Ascarid Impaction; Enterolith (stones in large colon)

**obstructions sometimes repsond to medical tx, but often require sx

Question 7

How does Strangulation cause colic?

Answer 7

Definition: process of cosntricting blood vessels -> arrest in bloodflow to tissue

-> epithelial sloughing, loss of gut barrier and eventual necrosis of affected tissue

Strangulation always requires SX

Question 8

Worst prognosis GI tract lesions

Answer 8

1. Lesions that interrupt blood flow anywhere in GIT – strangulation
2. Upper GIT (horses can’t vomit and you can’t administer PO meds/fluids)
3. Lower GIT

Question 9

Indications that a horse’s colic is worsening

Answer 9

• deterioration of clinical status (mentation, evidence of persistent trauma, elevated HR and RR, dehydration, endotoxemia, persistent pain, increase in net reflux)
• colic lasts longer than an hour or two (severity of complex colic increases if the cause is not treated)

Question 10

What situations make a horse are more likely to colic?

Answer 10

• those who have colicked before
• those who have had abdominal surgery (inflammatory response - adhesions 2º to peritonitis -> interrupt normal motility)
• rapid change in diet (e.g., in spring when grass is lush again)

Question 11

Where do horses ulcerate most commonly in the stomach?

Answer 11

In the squamous epithelium inthe non-glandular portion of their stomach (the glandular portion has the mucous glands to aid in protection)

Question 12

How to avoid colic from developing

Answer 12

Question 13

Ideal diet for horses

Answer 13

at least 70% high-fiber feedgrasses/hay, no more than 30% concentrate

concentrate has too much carbs

good-quality hay with a lot of leaf in it is ideal for horses

Question 14

Virginia’s recommendations for # of horses on property

Answer 14

1 horse per 2 acres

Question 15

How to decrease colic in domesticated horses

Answer 15

• increase turnout and access to grass
• free exercise
• minimize travel