The Comparative Abdomen by Louise Arnold https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c Please submit a post for task 2 and any general queries en-us 2021-02-05 17:57:03 UTC 2021-04-07 16:52:04 UTC hello@padlet.com Roanna lq20955_2 https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1213051074  
Colic = pain in the abdomen, therefore there are lots of different types of colic e.g. spasmodic, tympanic, impaction, sand colic, displacements and strangulations
 
The junction of the distal oesophagus and the cardia is a one way valve, allowing gas and fluid to move into the stomach but not out. Consequently, conditions that impede the movement of gas and fluid through the small intestine may result in severe dilation and rupture of the stomach.
Horses are unable to vomit therefore a stomach tube may need to be passed if there is a collection of food/gas that is unable to exit the stomach.
 
Strangulation/torsion colic is where a twist in the colon may cause the blood supply to be cut off resulting in necrosis. Impaction colic can cause a horse's stomach to dilate and become obstructed.
 
As mentioned, because horses cannot vomit, obstructions or distention of the stomach with gas or fluid may result in gastric rupture. Passing a stomach tube may, therefore, treat and assist in diagnosis of colic. If fluid reflux occurs, the volume and color of the fluid should be noted.
 
Normally the small intestine cannot be palpated; with small-intestinal obstruction, strangulating obstruction, or enteritis, the distended duodenum can be palpated dorsal to the base of the cecum on the right side of the abdomen, and distended loops of jejunum can be identified in the middle of the abdomen.
 
In terms of ultrasonography,  horses with sand colic have granular hyperechoic echoes originating from the affected portion of the colon. The characteristic finding in horses with intussusception is the 'bull’s eye' appearance of the affected portion of the small intestine.
 
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/digestive-system/colic-in-horses/overview-of-colic-in-horses
]]> 2021-02-17 21:26:41 UTC https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1213051074 Sean https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1218652843 Cecotrophy is the process by which certain animals of hindgut digestion, such as rabbits, are able to produce soft faeces that they will then consume in order to maximise the nutrients and water uptake from the digested material.

The caecum (which is 10 times bigger than their stomach and houses about 40% of all intestinal contents) and proximal colon will ferment and mechanically separate the contents of chyme. This nutrient-rich material will return to the caecum where it is coated in mucus and made into soft ceecotrophs. The rest (nutrient poor) will be rapidly excreted as hard faeces. 8 hours after feeding, the soft faeces (the previously mentioned caecotrophs) are excreted. A reduction of haustral and segmental contractions of the proximal colon,and enhanced activity in the distal colon, ensures that there is no separation and loss of water contents from these pellets. The rabbit will then swallow without mastication in order to preserve the structure of the faeces, while the coating of mucus will protect from gastric digestion, allowing efficient introduction into the intestine. 

Cecotrophy is regulated by several factors which directly impact gut motility. The main regulators are the autonomic nervous system and aldosterone. Stress, surgery, diet and adrenaline can all decrease motility and consequently stop caecotrophy. As a result, it is found that those rabbits will present with low levels of nutrients, protein and vitamins (K and all of B type).

Another problem with impaired motility is the risk of ileus, or gut stasis, in which abnormally low peristalsis will cause buildup of toxins and gas. Poor diet is believed to be the main culprit. Lack of fibre (diets rich in protein and carbohydrates) will lead to gut hypomotility, while also
inhibiting hunger, which further decreases peristalsis. Intrinsically, high carbs will also stimulate excessive colonic bacterial growth (such as E. coli and Clostridium spiriforme), inhibit moitilin (which stimulates small intestine, colonic and rectal propulsion) and reduces intestinal pH. Furthermore, high protein diets will reduce caecotrophy and thus lead to vitamin deficiencies. Other risk factors increasing the incidence of ileus are those previously discussed that cause gut hypomobility, and other such as dehydration, lack of exercise and food, stress, pain, surgery.



]]> 2021-02-19 12:44:14 UTC https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1218652843 Miriam https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1221240074 Building upon what Ro has said, these many types of colic are indicators of an underlying pathology that may be more sinister or even fatal. For example the large intestine which is only anchored at the base has the potential to twist on itself and form a volvulus that can be fatal. Classed as a type of colic, this is more than 'just a pain in the side.']]> 2021-02-20 10:46:50 UTC https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1221240074 James https://padlet.com/louisearnold1/yg1cbi4dj4mo9a8c/wish/1384254338 Similarities:
·       Distention by gas is involved
·       Turning of the stomach 
·       Common risk factors 
o   Reduced motility 
o   Delayed emptying 
o   Sudden increased space in the abdomen
§  In cows there is evidence of increased occurrence post-partem
§  Large spleen removal in dogs 
·       Increased pressure 
·       Pain 
·       Increased heart rate and respiration rate 
·       Both can result in shock
·       Necrosis of the stomach wall due to ischemia 
·       Decompression is needed 
·       Medical treatment 
o   Fluid and electrolyte resus is indicated in both 
·       Surgery is indicated and commonly involves suturing of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent reoccurrence 

Differences

·       Cows are ruminants so the anatomy is different- abomasum and omasum can be involved involved.
·       In cow’s a concurrent condition causes atony and reduced motility is the cause leading to distention and twisting later 
·       In dogs there is evidence both for the distention and twisting being the first occurrence. 
·       In dogs the cause is not fully understood 
·       In dogs risk factors also include:
o   Eating fast
o   Aerophagy 
o   Deep chested dogs 
o   Large dogs 
o   Old dogs 
o   Underweight dogs 
·       In cows, medical therapy can be used to resolve the issue but in dogs it is only in preparation for surgery. 
In summary there are many similarities but the differences seem enough to deem the two diseases separate.
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