GASTROENTEROLOGY
Time is Not Your Friend
WHEN TREATING COLIC y
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Whether a colicky horse is treated on the farm
or in a hospital, time is not your friend. Although an estimated 90% of horses with simple colic treated in the field recover, many quick decisions must be made to increase the horse’s chances, including deciding whether that horse should be referred, according to Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, a surgeon at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Heart rate, for instance, is a primary indicator whether a horse needs to be referred, so an assessment of the cardiovascular system is a priority. “Time is of the essence when making these decisions as I think everyone knows,” Dr. Blikslager said. “What you are doing is trying to reduce the time it takes to get a horse to a referral center if it needs more advanced care. The ultimate goal is to increase survival.” To speed the initial examination, taking an abbreviated history is appropriate, he explained. Obtain the signalment, severity of pain, how long the signs have
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Issue 7/2021 | ModernEquineVet.com
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been occurring, and any treatments that were already given. The physical examination should include an estimate of distension, as well as an assessment of the cardiovascular system. More detailed history, such as diet, deworming, etc. can be taken later, according to Dr. Blikslager. Before arrival, it helps to have some initial information, such as signalment, severity of pain and duration. “Are there signs of mild colic or moderate—the horse is starting to go down and get backs up—or is it severe—the horse is staying down and thrashing?” Assessing the heart rate either by a pulse on the facial artery or with a stethoscope, observing mucus membrane color, and capillary refill time are important initial parameters. “The reason for trying to get those important cardiovascular parameters initially is that you can change those with analgesics,” he explained. “The heart rate is the most predictive ultimately of the need for referral.” Find out if the owner has already given the animal
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