Approach_to_the_horse_with_weight_loss

What are common causes of weight loss in horses?

Inadequate nutrition, dental problems, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disease.

What are some less common causes of weight loss in horses?

Peritonitis, chronic grass sickness, and neoplasia.

What is the initial diagnostic approach for a horse with weight loss?

Physical examination, haematology, biochemistry, ultrasound exam, peritoneal fluid analysis, oral glucose absorption test (OGAT), and assessment of response to non-specific therapy.

What is the purpose of the Oral Glucose Absorption Test (OGAT)?

To assess glucose absorption in horses.

What condition may occur if a horse has inappetence for three days?

Jaundice.

What is the significance of hyperfibrinogenemia in serum proteins?

It indicates infection, inflammation, or neoplasia.

What is the normal PCV range for cold-blooded horses like cobs and ponies?

28-32%.

What is D-xylose absorption test more reliable than?

Oral Glucose Absorption Test (OGAT).

What should the horse be during the OGAT testing?

Calm.

What is the maximum absorption percentage assessed during OGAT?

80%.

What is a clinical sign that indicates a horse may have lameness issues affecting food intake?

Position in herd - if they are out-competed for food.

What important nutritional increase do horses require during pregnancy?

Increased feed.

What type of biopsies can be obtained through laparotomy?

Multiple intestinal biopsies can be obtained, allowing examination of the whole intestinal tract.

What is an acute cause of weight loss highlighted in the considerations?

Acute phase proteins present in serum indicating inflammation or neoplasia.

What diagnostic techniques can be used for further investigation in horses with weight loss?

Laparoscopy and laparotomy.

What might indicate delayed gastric emptying in an OGAT?

A delayed flat curve on the absorption test.

What demographic of horses can have a normal serum hyperalbuminemia but could also be mistakenly identified as healthy?

Anemia in warm-bloods.

When can you likely see jaundice in horses?

Usually if there’s bile duct obstruction within three days of inappetence.

What aspect of the horse's feeding habits may lead to impactions?

Not chewing long strand foods properly.

What is meant by segmental disease in the context of intestinal biopsies?

Focal eosinophilic IBD can be resected and removed.

What type of dietary issues can predispose horses to weight loss?

Inadequate nutrition due to weighing less than needed, poor quality feed or dental problems.

What are the workshops aimed to reflect in terms of content?

Weekly content and practical, hands-on experience.

What can you assess with intestinal ultrasonography?

Wall thickness, lumen diameter, motility, and anatomy.

What type of problems does the OGAT test not exclusively measure?

Small intestinal function alone.

In which countries might you see cases of cold-blooded horses presenting with weight loss more frequently?

Other parts of the world outside of the UK.

What do horses lack in terms of bile storage that complicates liver issue observations?

Horses do not have bile storage or a bile duct.

What aspects can affect appetite in horses, leading to potential weight loss?

Hierarchy position in the herd and concurrent lameness.

What does sensitivity and specificity refer to in the context of serum protein electrophoresis?

Sensitivity refers to the test's ability to identify true positives, while specificity denotes the ability to identify true negatives.

What may be inferred if hyperalbuminemia is observed in a horse?

Assumed lab error, as it is very rare.

What is the common frequency of workshops and practical classes?

Workshops on Wednesday and Friday AM, Practical classes on Friday PM and Monday AM.

What are the veterinary considerations in the diagnosis of weight loss?

A comprehensive range including diseases and infections affecting absorption and digestion.

What should be considered before proceeding with duodenal biopsies?

The need for a laparotomy and sedation.

What potential risks are associated with inadequate feeding during the horse's pregnancy?

Weight loss and potentially not providing enough nutrients for the foal.

In terms of addressing weight loss, what does a diagnostic plan entail?

Analyzing mechanisms involved in weight loss like appetite and absorption.