CLINICAL EVALUATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT.pptx

In order to properly measure digestive health, the clinical evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in animals is a thorough process that incorporates knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and auxiliary organs like the pancreas and liver are all parts of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), and each is tailored to the nutritional requirements of the species. Digestion, absorption, secretion, motility, and preservation of a barrier against infections are among the physiological processes of the GI tract that are essential to the animal's general health. A thorough medical history is necessary to start an evaluation. It should cover dietary practices, clinical symptoms such vomiting or diarrhea, past medical conditions, and environmental factors that could aggravate gastrointestinal distress. After that, a comprehensive physical examination is performed, which includes checking for pain or bloating, palpating to determine the size and firmness of the organs, auscultating to listen for bowel sounds that indicate movement, and percussion to determine the accumulation of gas and fluid. Radiography and ultrasound are two essential diagnostic imaging methods that are used to find blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities; endoscopy, on the other hand, provides direct visualization and possible biopsy of the mucosal surface and offers important information about underlying problems. Diagnosing GI tract infections, inflammatory illnesses, or metabolic abnormalities is further aided by laboratory testing such as fecal analysis and full blood counts. For a thorough evaluation, specialized testing such as gastrointestinal motility studies and serological testing for infectious pathogens may be required.In veterinary medicine, common gastrointestinal disorders include gastroenteritis, which is frequently caused by infections or dietary errors and manifests as vomiting and diarrhea; obstructions from foreign bodies or tumors that cause abdominal distension and pain; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation and requires careful differentiation from other disorders; liver disease, which affects GI function due to altered bile production and metabolic derangements; and neoplasia, in which tumors can disrupt normal GI function and frequently require surgical intervention or chemotherapy. The interaction of diseased states and physiological processes in the GI tract emphasizes the need for a methodical and knowledgeable clinical approach to ensure proper diagnosis and efficacious treatment regimens. In order to improve the welfare and lifespan of animal patients, continued research and teaching are crucial as veterinary medicine develops. These efforts will deepen our understanding of gastrointestinal health and allow for improved management of disorders that affect this key system.

1. CLINICAL EVALUATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT Nilakshi Prakash Patil

2. Introduction The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in animal health and well-being, making its evaluation essential in veterinary sciences. S ome key aspects of its importance are: Nutrient Absorption Digestive Efficiency Immune Function Behavior and Quality of Life

3. W hy clinical examination of gastrointestinal tract is necessary ? Diagnosis of GI Disorders Detection of Abnormalities Assessment of Nutritional Status Monitoring of Chronic Conditions Guidance for Further Testing Pre-surgical Assessment

4. Digestive tract: Parameters to Check

5. Ruminants v/s Non-Ruminants DIGESTIVE PARAMETERS RUMINANTS NON RUMINANTS Gastric pH Rumen: 5.5-7.0 Reticulum: 5.5-6.5 Omasum: 4.5-6.0 Abomasum: 2.5-4.0 1.5-3.5 Gastric Motility Complex (performs regurgitation) Simpler (do not performs regurgitation) Small Bowel Transit Time 24-48 hours ( a pprox ) 2-6 hours ( a pprox ) Cecal and Colonic Transit Time 20-40 hours or longer 6-24 hours GI Hormones Role Both fermentation and digestion Direct digestive processes Clinical Signs and Symptoms Bloat, ruminal acidosis, alkalosis Vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, with less emphasis on fermentation-related issues

6. Diseases Of Digestive System Gastritis (Acute) Causes: Salmonella or Clostridium; NSAIDs; spoiled food; Toxins Pathophysiology: Mucosal Damage: Direct Irritation; Disruption of Gastric Barrier Inflammatory Response: Inflammatory Mediators; Cellular Infiltration Increased Gastric Acid Clinical Findings: Vomiting; Abdominal pain; Diarrhea; Anorexia; Dehydration; CBC; Fecal examination

7. 2) Gastritis (Chronic) Causes: Helicobacter spp ; Campylobacter spp.; strongyles , hookworms; Improper diets; Chronic stress; Liver or kidney diseases. Pathophysiology: Chronic Mucosal Damage: Persistent Irritation; Mucosal Degeneration Inflammatory Response: Chronic Inflammation; Fibrosis Altered Gastric Secretion Clinical Findings: Chronic Vomiting; Abdominal pain; Persistent Diarrhea; Weight loss; Anorexia; CBC; Fecal examination

8. 3) Acidosis Causes: High-Grain Diets; Low Forage Intake; overgrowth Lactobacillus spp.; Improper Feeding Practices; Feeding Contaminated Feed Pathophysiology: Increased Carbohydrate Fermentation; Decreased Rumen pH < 5.5; Decreased Rumen pH; Absorption of Lactic Acid: in bloodstream; Rumenitis Clinical Findings: Abdominal pain; Diarrhea; Lethargy; Anorexia; Dehydration; Blood Gas Analysis; hypokalemia and hyponatremia

9. Fig. Sequence of events associated with the induction of acute ruminal lactic acidosis. CHO = Carbohydrate.  (J. Nocek , 1997)

10. 4 ) Alkalosis Causes: Ingestion of Alkaline Substances; Rumen Bloat ; Hypoxia and Hyperventilation; Hypochloremia Pathophysiology: Increased Bicarbonate Levels; Reduced Hydrogen Ion Concentration; Electrolyte Imbalances; Hyperventilation; Decreased CO₂ Levels ; I n creased Rumen pH >7 Clinical Findings: Muscle Tremors or Twitching; Lethargy; Reduced appetite; Anorexia; Rumen pH; Urinalysis; Blood Gas Analysis; hypokalemia and hyponatremia

11. 5 ) Ruminal Tympany (Bloat) Causes: High-Legume Diets; High-Grain Diets; Wet or Rapidly Fermenting Forages; Foreign Bodies; Esophageal Diseases Pathophysiology Gas Accumulation: Formation of Stable Foam; Increased Gas Production; Impaired Gas Release. Rumen Distension: Increased Pressure; Displacement of Abdominal Organs; Reduced Oxygenation Clinical Findings: Abdominal Distension; Discomfort and Pain; Reduced Appetite; Dehydration; Blood Gas Analysis; Rumen Fluid Analysis Fig. Pear- shaped belly in bloat, by Pashudhan Praharee , 2020

12. 6 ) Colic Causes: Impactions; Gas Colic; Torsion; Strangulation; High-Fiber Diets; strongyles , ascarids ; Fecaliths ; Ulcers. Pathophysiology: Stretching and Distension; Ischemia; Inflammation; Increased Fermentation; Obstruction. Clinical Findings: Abdominal Pain; Reduced Appetite; Sweating; Pawing; Fecal Examination Fig. Dr Rajesh Kumar Singh, Pashudhan Praharee , 2021

13. 7 ) Hepatitis Causes: Canine Adenovirus Type1 (in dogs) Feline Infectious Peritonitis by feline coronavirus (in cats ) Pathophysiology: Immune Response; Cytokine Release; Cellular Injury; Fibrosis; Impaired liver function; Biliary Obstruction; Toxin Accumulation Clinical Findings: Jaundice; Abdominal Distension; Anorexia; Lethargy; Hepatomegaly; Ascites; Elevated Liver Enzymes.

14. 8 ) Cirrhosis Causes: Chronic Hepatitis; Aflatoxins; Copper Toxicity; Fatty Liver Syndrome; Biliary Obstruction Pathophysiology: Fibrosis Formation: Chronic Inflammation; Collagen Deposition Disruption of Liver Architecture: Nodular Regeneration; Impaired Blood Flow Functional Impairment: Reduced Hepatocyte Function; Hepatic Encephalopathy Clinical Findings: Jaundice; Abdominal Distension; Anorexia; Lethargy; Hepatomegaly; Ascites; Edema; Elevated Liver Enzymes; Increased Bilirubin; Reduced albumin levels and altered electrolyte balance Fig. Liver cirrhosis in dogs (Josie F. Turner, 2024 )

15. 9) Jaundice Causes: Hepatitis; Aflatoxins; Cirrhosis; Fatty Liver Disease; Neoplasia; Biliary Obstruction like gall stones, cholangitis. Pathophysiology: Increased Bilirubin Production: Hemolysis Impaired Liver Function: Disruption of Bilirubin Metabolism; hepatocytes are damaged. Obstructed Bile Flow: Cholestasis; Biliary Reflux. Clinical Findings Yellowing of Tissues; Lethargy; Anorexia; Abdominal distension; Ascites; Elevated Bilirubin Levels; Elevated levels of liver enzymes; CBC

16. 10) Torsion Causes: Lack of Roughage; Rapid Feeding or Overeating; Abnormal Gut Motility; Splenomegaly.. Pathophysiology: Impaired Blood Flow: Venous Congestion Tissue Damage: Ischemia; Necrosis. Clinical Findings Lethargy; Abdominal pain; Abdominal distension; Elevated WBCs; Metabolic Acidosis.

17. 11) Traumato reticulo peritonitis Causes : Foreign Object Ingestion: Ingestion of sharp, metallic objects; Trauma: cause the foreign object to migrate through the wall and into the peritoneal cavity . Pathophysiology : Penetration and Injury: Reticulum Damage; foreign object perforate the peritoneum, leading to generalized peritonitis Inflammatory Response: Local Inflammation; Systemic Inflammation Abscess Formation Clinical Findings Lethargy; Abdominal pain; Abdominal distension; Fever; Distress; Elevated WBCs

18. Dignostic Methods Clinical Examination: History; Physical examination Laboratory Tests: Hematology like CBC; Biochemical Profile; Fecal Examination ( fecal culture, fecal floatation, etc ); Serological Tests Abdominal Ultrasound; Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity Testing

19. Conclusion Thus, clinical evaluation of GI tract helps us to know the normal and abnormal signs by thorough clinical examination, laboratory tests and guide to form proper treament plan and management, helping veterinarians to keep animals healthy.

20. References Chakrabarti , A. (2018). Textbook of Clinical Medicine . 1st ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers. Howart , R.E., Cheng, K.J. Marak , W. and Costertoy , J.W. (1986). Ruminant bloat. In Control of Digestion and metabolism. Edt . Milligan, L.P., Grovum , W.I. and Dobsom , A. Prentice Hall Engle Woodcliffs , NJ. Kelly, W.R. (1979). Veterinary Clinical diagnosis. 2 nd Ed. Baillierl Tindall, (London). Kent, T.H. and Moon, H.W. (1973). The comparative pathogenesis of some enteric disease. Vet. Path 10: 414

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