Colic: diagnosis, surgical decision, and pre-operative management

Marshall, J. and Blikslager, A. (2012) Colic: diagnosis, surgical decision, and pre-operative management. In: Auer, J. and Stick, J. (eds.) Equine Surgery. Elsevier: Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

The veterinarian presented with an equine colic faces a true emergency and a diagnostic challenge. Through the combination of history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures the veterinarian must determine and communicate to the owner the source of the abdominal pain, the prognosis for recovery, the correct treatment strategy, and the estimated costs. While a great deal of valuable information can be gained from an accurate signalment, history and physical examination, a range of further diagnostic procedures are necessary to aid in this process. It is therefore essential to understand the indications, significance, and limitations of these techniques. This information may then be interpreted and a decision to continue medical treatment, or perform an exploratory celiotomy can be made.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Marshall, Dr John
• Authors: Marshall, J., and Blikslager, A.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Publisher: Elsevier