Prevention is to maintain a natural diet with appropriate stable management practices. Eliminate as much stress as possible, minimize NSAID use and establish appropriate de-worming practices.
Gastritis
Gastritis is a term used to describe the inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis is considered rare in horses but causes altered digestion. Acute cases can be caused by ingestion of ____________________, sand, chemicals or toxins. Chronic cases can be due to long term ingestion of poor feed, indigestible materials, ulcers or ___________________. Irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining is seen in response to the above irritants. The lining is red & swollen with ulcerations and erosion. Large areas of petecchia and confluences of papules are seen and accompanied by excessive mucus production. Acute gastritis is seen primarily as anorexia, excessive salivation and colic symptoms including pain as well as gastric dilation and laminitis. Chronic cases show intermittent colic, anorexia, weight loss, un-thriftiness, have foul breath, altered stool and emaciation.
Diagnosis is through S&S and endoscopy.
Treatment includes irrigating the stomach through a nasogastric tube, mineral oil, anti-acid & ulcer medications and providing easily digestible food. Treat the underlying condition.
Gastric Dilation & Rupture
Gastric dilation describes the over filling & distention of the stomach due to horses’ inability to____________________. Grain engorgement causing a build-up of fluid or gas from _____________________, gastritis and small intestinal/colon obstruction causing feces to back up into the stomach may lead to gastric dilation. Signs & symptoms of dilation include colic signs (sweating, rolling, looking at abdomen), severe & sudden _________________ , bloating, increased TPR & shock with cold extremities. If the dilation is not treated immediately the horse is at risk for rupture. There will be a sudden cessation of S&S after rupture followed by shock, recumbency, ______________ and death due to endotoxemia within a couple hours. Diagnosis includes passing a nasogastric tube, a rectal exam & peritoneal tap. Contents from the NG tube will indicate what’s causing the dilation. A rectal exam will provide information about the location and size of the stomach, spleen & intestines and a tap will show food contents in the peritoneal fluid with gastric rupture.
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