Page 805 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

780 CHAPTER 4

VetBooks.ir 4.2 The lower gastrointestinal tract

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION abnormalities that may be associated with anorexia
or have effects on normal eating patterns. The pres-
Evaluation of the GI tract (Fig. 4.110) should include ence of feed material in the oral cavity should be
knowledge of the animal’s history, observation of the noted. A neurological examination might be required
animal and the surroundings and a complete physi- if there are concerns about the ability of the horse to
cal examination. History should include signalment, eat properly. Observation of eating can be useful in
occupation of the horse, diet and feeding practices, some situations.
recent management changes, deworming and dental The neck should be palpated for the presence of
care schedule, temperament and vices, availability masses, crepitus or pain. The oesophagus usually
and quality of water, medication received and dura- runs down the left side of the neck but both sides
tion and occurrence of the problem. Evaluation of should be examined as it can course down the right
the surroundings (e.g. water source, housing condi- side in some horses. The passage of a NG tube is
tion and pasture) can provide very useful informa- helpful in oesophageal abnormalities and during
tion. Special attention should be given to assessing examination of colic cases.
the physical appearance of the horse, its body condi- Qualitative evaluation of intestinal motility can be
tion, abdominal contour and skin trauma. performed via abdominal auscultation. Transit time
A thorough physical examination should be per- can also be a useful assessment of intestinal motility.
formed, including evaluation of other body systems Passage of mineral oil in the faeces following admin-
such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, istration via a NG tube should be observed after
musculoskeletal and reproductive systems. This is 8–12 hours. The consistency, colour and volume
important, as GI problems can be mistaken for other of faeces should be noted, as should the presence of
body system abnormalities and vice versa. sand, gravel or large food particles. In all cases of
The dentition should be assessed for congeni- GI disease an attempt should be made to identify an
tal (e.g. parrot mouth, wry nose) or developmental underlying cause to prevent reoccurrence.

4.110
Stomach
Small intestine
Caecum
Rectum

Fig. 4.110 The basic
Oesophagus
Large colon anatomical components of the
GI tract and their approximate
positioning in the horse. (The
small colon is not visible from
this viewpoint.)