Changes

===Abdominal Ultrasound===

===Abdominal Ultrasound===

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdomen is extremely useful in characterizing certain components of the disease process. The amount and character of free abdominal fluid can be determined, as well as the determination of a specific place for safe, high-yield abdominocentesis.  The appearance of small intestine, including distension, wall thickness and motility (or lack thereof, often seen as sedimentatioon of digesta) can be extremely important in the decision for surgical or medical therapy. The large colon and cecum can be evaluated for wall thickness (particularly useful in cases of right dorsal colitis), fluidy contents (colitis/diarrhea), and sometimes displacement.  The presence of mesenteric vessels associated with the large colon is generally associated with displacement. The normal anti-mesenteric vessels of the cecum can be used to trace its course.  Ventral displacement of the spleen with obscuring of the left kidney is associated with nephro-splenic displacement.  Visualization of sacculated large bowel immediately ventral to the liver or spleen, or non-sacculated large bowel in the ventral abdomen suggests displacement.  The stomach can be evaluated for distension and abnormalities of the wall.  Abdominal ultrasound is useful in detecting diaphragmatic or inguinal herniation.  Abnormalities of the liver or kidneys, both potential causes of false colic, are often detectable with ultrasound.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdomen is extremely useful in characterizing certain components of the disease process in the foal or horse with colic. The findings of the abdominal ultrasound can distinguish surgical and medical colic patients. It is a very useful non-invasive diagnostic tool and can be used to guide other techniques such as [[Abdominocentesis|abdominocentesis]].  The amount and character of free abdominal fluid can be determined, as well as the determination of a specific place for safe, high-yield abdominocentesis.  The appearance of small intestine, including distension, wall thickness and motility (or lack thereof, often seen as sedimentatioon of digesta) can be extremely important in the decision for surgical or medical therapy. The large colon and cecum can be evaluated for wall thickness (particularly useful in cases of right dorsal colitis), fluidy contents (colitis/diarrhea), and sometimes displacement.  The presence of mesenteric vessels associated with the large colon is generally associated with displacement. The normal anti-mesenteric vessels of the cecum can be used to trace its course.  Ventral displacement of the spleen with obscuring of the left kidney is associated with nephro-splenic displacement.  Visualization of sacculated large bowel immediately ventral to the liver or spleen, or non-sacculated large bowel in the ventral abdomen suggests displacement.  The stomach can be evaluated for distension and abnormalities of the wall.  Abdominal ultrasound is useful in detecting diaphragmatic or inguinal herniation.  Abnormalities of the liver or kidneys, both potential causes of false colic, are often detectable with ultrasound.

===Liver Biopsy and Liver Function Tests===

===Liver Biopsy and Liver Function Tests===