Category: Gastrointestinal

GDV is a common issue in dogs, and involves two components: dilation of the stomach with gas, then flipping of the stomach within the abdomen. Sometimes the spleen can get involved in the rotation as well, thanks to its attachment to the stomach.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 are one of the many causes of colic in horses. In this condition, there is a 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐦𝐚 (a benign tumour of fat) that is 𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 (a long stalk with a mass on the end). Thanks to this long stalk, the mass can ends up wrapped around a piece of intestine, causing 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (complete loss of blood supply).

𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐬 larvae are the most common parasites of the equine stomach. There are six different species that can affect horses, but the most common ones are 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬 and 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬. In their adult form, these flies are frequently seen buzzing around livestock.

FIP is a viral infection of cats that is characterized by 𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬 (leaky vessels) and inflammation. It has two forms, 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞/𝐰𝐞𝐭, where excess fluid accumulates in the body cavities, and 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞/𝐝𝐫𝐲, where the inflammation forms distinct nodules.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is when one piece of the intestine (called the 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐦) telescopes into another piece of intestine (called the 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐬), forming a multi-layered intestinal segment.

Gastric ulcers are areas where the stomach 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐚 (the lining) has become eroded, exposing the underlying tissue. This often associated with hemorrhage and inflammation.