Equine Practice
The colic framework
Approach colic in a fixed order: history, pain score, cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, mucous membrane color, CRT, PCV/TP, lactate), nasogastric intubation, rectal exam, and, if indicated, abdominocentesis and ultrasound. Net reflux over roughly 2 L suggests small intestinal obstruction or proximal enteritis and is a referral/surgical flag; distended small intestine supports it. Provide analgesia (xylazine or detomidine for visceral pain, flunixin meglumine) while deciding medical versus surgical management.
Lameness and the hoof
Learn AAEP lameness grading (0–5), hoof tester and nerve-block localization, and classic presentations: navicular syndrome (caudal heel pain, palmar digital nerve block), suspensory desmitis, and laminitis. Laminitis is a systemic disease with a hoof manifestation - grain overload, retained placenta, sepsis, supporting-limb overload. Obel grades and radiographs for distal pharyngeal rotation guide prognosis; treat with cryotherapy, NSAIDs, deep bedding, and corrective trimming.
Other systems
Respiratory: recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) in stalled adult horses - environmental change plus bronchodilators and corticosteroids; strangles (Streptococcus equi) with abscessed lymph nodes and guttural pouch complications. Neonatal: check IgG at 12–24 hours, >800 mg/dL is adequate; failure of passive transfer requires plasma. Reproduction: 21-day estrous cycle with 5–7 days of estrus, ovulation late in estrus; twin reduction is a key skill. Ocular: never use a steroid on a corneal ulcer without a negative fluorescein stain; recurrent uveitis is a leading cause of blindness.
Traps and rule of thumb
Avoid combining phenylbutazone and flunixin, or NSAIDs with corticosteroids. A pony with grain overload should be treated aggressively for laminitis before lameness appears, because hoof signs lag the insult by days.