Diagnosis is case history of choke, signs & symptoms, Barium contrast x-ray, fluoroscopy and esophageal . Treatment is to feed slurry. In acute or mild case it may only be necessary for a week. In cases of permanent stricture, a soft diet is needed for life. Esophageal _________________ can be used to help temporarily stretch out the stricture until inflammation subsides. In cases of tight or permanent strictures surgery will be necessary.
Prevention is prompt treatment of choke to minimize the development of strictures.
Gastric Disorders
Gastric Ulcer (Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome “EGUS”) Gastric ulcers describe local inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa of the stomach. EGUS is very common in domesticated horses, especially foals and those under stress. Gastric ulcers are caused by 3 major factors that can occur singularly or in combination. Over secretion of __________________, the over-use of oral NSAID’s and stress. Hydrochloric acid and pepsin produced in the gastric glands contacts the non-mucus covered areas of the stomach epithelium, causing the _______________ of the stomach lining. This is accompanied by the lichenification of the surrounding tissue. In the damaged areas the submucosa is exposed and there is an increase in the number of neutrophils and eosinophils into the necrotic area. If left untreated chronic inflammation & fibrosis of the damaged areas may occur, or there may be ________________ of the stomach that allow the stomach contents to flow into the abdominal cavity. Ulcers most commonly occur in the _________________ curvature of the stomach, as this non- glandular region lacks the protection of mucus. Horses that are in training or showing, trailered frequently, are under stress (individual), have internal parasites or are deprived of access to forage for long periods are at a higher risk of developing gastric ulcers. Foals may also be predisposed to gastric ulcers as milk is passed through the stomach much faster than forage. Clinically gastric ulcers are seen as colic like symptoms, weight-loss, restlessness such as digging in the stall,________________ changes such as acting ‘girthy’, grinding teeth, anorexia, un- thriftiness or poor performance. Endoscopy reveals areas of white nodules with ulcerated centers, inflammation and haemorrhage in the stomach.
Diagnosis of gastric ulcers is made through __________________________.
Treatment includes the modification of the diet and feeding practices as well stable management practices. Medications such as antacids, histamine receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are used. The most common drug used is called Omeprazole.
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