Changes

A thorough and detailed examination of a horse with suspected gastrointestinal tract disorders is extremely important. After taking a history from the owner,a logical process including the examination of other body systems as well as the gastrointestinal tract should be followed. The examination usually starts at the head and proceeds caudally. Many different diagnostic tests can be used to diagnose the cause of equine colic, which may have greater or lesser value in certain situations.  The most important distinction to make is whether the condition should be managed medically or surgically.  If surgery is indicated, then it must be performed with utmost haste, as delay is a dire prognostic indicator.

A thorough and detailed examination of a horse with suspected gastrointestinal tract disorders is extremely important. After taking a history from the owner,a logical process including the examination of other body systems as well as the gastrointestinal tract should be followed. The examination usually starts at the head and proceeds caudally. Many different diagnostic tests can be used to diagnose the cause of equine colic, which may have greater or lesser value in certain situations.  The most important distinction to make is whether the condition should be managed medically or surgically.  If surgery is indicated, then it must be performed with utmost haste, as delay is a dire prognostic indicator. Repeat examinations are vital in assessing changes in the horse's condition and level of pain. They should be conducted every one to two hours by the owner or veterinarian and any changes should be managed appropriately and the re-evaluate the horse's prognosis.  

===History===

===History===

===Clinicopathologic Evaluation===

===Clinicopathologic Evaluation===

Laboratory tests can be performed to assess the cardiovascular status of the patient.

Laboratory tests can be performed to assess the cardiovascular and metabolic status of the patient.

* Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

* Packed Cell Volume (PCV)

* Total Plasma Protein (TPP)

* Total Plasma Protein (TPP)

* Blood Gases

* Blood Gases

* Electrolyte levels

* Electrolyte levels

=====Packed Cell Volume and Total Plasma Protein=====

=====Packed Cell Volume and Total Plasma Protein=====

=====Blood Gases=====

=====Blood Gases=====

  Blood lactate levels are useful in determining severity of disease, and as a prognostic indicator; levels between 1-2mmol/L are considered normal, while levels above 5.7mmol/L are considered significant.  "Colic scores" that combine several parameters can be relatively accurate prognostic indicators, although most laboratory tests have limited use in terms of specific diagnosis.

  Blood lactate levels are useful in determining severity of disease, and as a prognostic indicator; levels between 1-2mmol/L are considered normal, while levels above 5.7mmol/L are considered significant.  "Colic scores" that combine several parameters can be relatively accurate prognostic indicators, although most laboratory tests have limited use in terms of specific diagnosis.