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This Concept Map, created with IHMC CmapTools, has information related to: Medical management of colic, Fluid Therapy Necessary to prevent or correct dehydration, maintain blood volumes and to increase intestinal water content espcially for horses with impactions -Can be administered via IV or via nasogastric tubing (contrainidcated in horses with nasogastric reflux) -Lactated Ringer's Solution is the most common fluid used. -Elctrolytes included depend upon the horse's needs, usually: Potassium Calcium Magnesium Sodium Bicarbonate (for horses with metabolic acidosis, Analgesics The most common analgesic drugs used in horses with colic are NSAIDs -the principle analgesic drugs used to control abdominal pain. Flunixin meglumine inhibits visceral pain; however, there is the potential concern of masking abdominal pain or cardiac compromise when flunixin meglumine is administered so it should be used with caution. The recommended dose of flunixin meglumine is 1.1 mg/kg IV or IM once or twice daily. Phenylbutazone has the least analgesic effect for pain associated with colic., Analgesics The most common analgesic drugs used in horses with colic are Opioids Of the narcotic analgesics, butorphanol is used most often in horses with colic. Butorphanol has few adverse effects on the GI tract or heart. It is frequently combined with an α2- agonist to produce a more prolonged period of analgesia., Medical management of Colic in Horses The type of treatment used is based upon the type and severity of the colic. These treatmeants include: Enteric Treatments, Enteric Treatments used in horses with intestinal impactions The most commonly used laxatives include: -Magnesium sulfate: horses with extremely hard impactions are treated with magnesium sulfate, which draws body fluids into the GI tract. Adverse effects include dehydration and an increased risk of diarrhea and possibly cause signs of magnesium toxicity. -Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) is a surface acting agent that decreases surface tension and draws fluid into the intestine and into the impacted material; it also stimulates intestinal secretions. Excessive doses can lead to intestinal irritation and dehydration and so should only be administered in small volumes. DSS should not be administered to horses with sand impaction because it may cause sand to become more solidified. -Mineral oil serves as an intestinal lubricant. It is usually administered at a dose of 2 to 4 liters per 450 kg horses every 1 to 2 days. However, it is not highly effective in treating severe impactions or sand impactions, because it may simply pass by the obstruction without softening it., Medical management of Colic in Horses The type of treatment used is based upon the type and severity of the colic. These treatmeants include: Analgesics, Analgesics The most common analgesic drugs used in horses with colic are Alpha-2-Agonists Xylazine is commonly used in horses to control moderate to marked abdominal pain for relatively short periods (20-30 minutes). Detomidine has more potent analgesic effects than xylazine and is longer acting. The alpha 2 agonists can have inhibitory effects on gastrointestinal motility, which can be deleterious in horses being treated for intestinal impactions. The heart rate should also be evaluated prior to administering these drugs because of their bradycardic effect., Medical management of Colic in Horses The type of treatment used is based upon the type and severity of the colic. These treatmeants include: Fluid Therapy