General Medicine encompasses many problems that may arise with your horse. We see any case that does not involve surgery directly, including some lameness cases.
Our board-certified clinicians have the expertise to examine the patient and diagnose the problem. We can also provide in-house consultation with board certified cardiologists, ophthalmologists, and dermatologists.
Some of the medical disorders that fall under General Medicine include:
- Acute/chronic weight loss
- Acute/chronic diarrhea
- Urinary tract disorders
- Acute/chronic renal (kidney) disorders
- Acute/chronic hepatic (liver) disorders
- Cardiac disorders
- Dermatologic disorders
If you suspect your horse’s health is declining, it may be related to one of the above disorders, make an appointment with our Equine Medicine group as soon as possible. Early diagnosis may help with instituting treatment protocols which can provide a cure or extend your horse’s quality of life.
Colic
Disease Background
Colic is a general term for abdominal pain. There are numerous causes of colic and each case must be evaluated differently. The patient’s history is very important when diagnosing a horse with colic.
Symptoms
Signs of colic include:
- Restlessness
- Inappetence
- Rolling
- Sweating
- Kicking at the abdomen
- Recumbency
Equine patients may also have elevated heart and respiratory rates depending on the severity of the condition.
Diagnostics
When an equine patient presents with clinical signs of colic some of the diagnostic procedures that may be performed include:
- General Physical Exam (heart and respiratory rate, hydration status, Gastro-intestinal motility)
- Nasogastric Intubation (Passing Stomach Tube)
- Rectal palpation
- Evaluation of abdominal fluid
- Abdominal ultrasound
Treatment
A large percentage of colic cases are resolved by your local veterinarian with medical treatment (analgesics). However a smaller population of horses with colic may require more aggressive medical and/or surgical treatment. Clinical signs that may indicate the need for referral to us include:
- Unrelenting pain despite treatment with analgesics and sedatives
- Distention of the small intestine, determined by your local veterinarian
- Distention/displacement of the large intestine, determined by your local veterinarian
- Excess amounts of nasogastric reflux
- If your local veterinarian determines your horse needs continuous monitoring