Difference between revisions of "Category:Colic Diagnosis in the Horse"

Revision as of 11:49, 9 June 2010

Colic Diagnosis in the Horse

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.

Content

▼ Colic Diagnosis in the Horse
Colic Diagnosis - History
Colic Diagnosis - Clinical Signs
Colic Diagnosis - General Physical Examination
Colic Diagnosis - Abdominal Auscultation
Colic Diagnosis - Faecal Examination
Colic Diagnosis - Rectal Examination
Colic Diagnosis - Naso-gastric Intubation
Abdominocentesis
Colic Diagnosis - Abdominal Ultrasound
Colic - Peritoneal Fluid Analysis
Colic Diagnosis - Clinicopathologic Evaluation
Colic Diagnosis - Small Intestinal Absorption Tests

Colic Diagnosis - Faecal Examination

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Abdominal 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. It can be carried out trans-abdominally or trans-rectally. The latter scenario is useful for confirming andormalities palpated on prior rectal examinations.

It is important that the veterinarian is confident with the normal abdominal ultrasound of the horse in order to detect significant abnormalities. 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 intestine including distension of the lumen, increased wall thickness and motility (or lack thereof, often seen as sedimentatioon of digesta)indicate a degree of intestinal comprimise and 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 fluid distension and abnormalities of the wall. Significant fluid distention of the stomach should indicate that nasogastic decompression is needed. Abdominal ultrasound is useful in detecting diaphragmatic or inguinal herniation. Masses of the spleen, kidneys and liver can be demonstrated and may be incidental findings or causes of false colic.

Liver Biopsy and Liver Function Tests

Small Intestinal Absorption Tests

References

Pages in category "Colic Diagnosis in the Horse"

The following 12 pages are in this category, out of 12 total.

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-===Faecal Examination===
-The amount of faeces produced, and its character can be helpful. The texture of the faeces can indicate digestive or dental disorders affecting prehension, mastication and absorption of the diet, as well as hydration. Parasitic disease can be diagnosed by the detection of parasite ova using fecal floatation techniques. The faeces can also be examined for the presence of bacteria, parasites, viruses and blood. [[Rotaviruses]] are a common cause of diarrhoea in foals and can be diagnosed by detection of the virus in ELISAs or by electron microscopy. Bacteria such as [[Escherichia coli]], [[Campylobacter species|Campylobacter]] , [[Salmonellosis|Salmonella]] and [[Colitis X|Clostridium species]]. In areas where sand colic is known to be common, or if the history suggests it may be a possibility, faeces can be examined for the presence of sand, often by immersion in water, or simply by its texture. Diarrhea is usually indicative of a non-surgical condition, although it can be associated with life threatening conditions such as [[salmonellosis]].
 ===Abdominal Ultrasound===