GIT Behaviour

Question 1

What is the brain gut axis

Answer 1

The GI tract and CNS are linked in a bidirectional manner

Question 2

What is the effect of chronic stress on the GIT

Answer 2

Decreased gastric emptying, increase intestinal contractility, increase gut permeability, reduce water absorption, intestinal inflammatory response

Question 3

What are some examples of normal functional behaviour

Answer 3

Swallowing
Ruminating
Regurgitating
Sniffing
Licking mouth and floor
Defecation ritual
Caecotrophy
Ingestion of non food material

Question 4

What are some general abnormal behaviour

Answer 4

Normal behaviour in a different context
Behaviour carried out excessively which causes harm
Behaviour with no purpose
Vomiting/regurgitation
Over-grooming/self mutilation
Tongue playing/bar biting

Question 5

What are some abnormal behaviours associated with gastrointestinal disorders
(Name 5)

Answer 5

Polyphagia
Inappetant
PICA
Excessive licking of surfaces
Borborygmus
Lip smacking
Gulping
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Tenesmus
Soft stools
Vocalisation
Licking perineal area
Scooting
Aggressive-like behaviours
Restlessness
Hypersalivation
Kicking at abdomen
Wind sucking
Flysnapping
Regurgitation
Bruxism
Arching
Feather pecking
Eating grass

Question 6

What do you need to consider when examining pain

Answer 6

Posture
Movement
Vocalisation
Eating habits
Activity levels
Sleep pattern
Grooming patterns
Elimination patterns

Question 7

What can make pain recognition difficult

Answer 7

Stoic animals
Prey species will avoid showing weakness

Question 8

What features should you look at to differentiate GI related behaviour with psychological behaviour

Answer 8

Context of behaviour
Husbandry practices
Environment evaluation
Health status