As an RN who deals with stomach tubes in humans, I believe that if the pressure is high enough, the fluid is going to come out of the tube when it is inserted. AND, I had a mule that coliced severely and was tubed twice, once to inject mineral oil and once to check for reflux and pressure. Both times the vets injected a little air to start the flow. I know we do this with humans.
BTW, I fortunately have little first-hand knowledge of colic but during my mule Sally's bout with it she was given IV fluid (46 liters total) and I believe that was what saved her. I don't believe placing fluid her stomach would have done the job. She had a bowel obstruction and was dehydrated (3 days of riding and not drinking enough. I've since learned a lot, she now eats soaked, shredded beat pulp).
Patsy in TX
terre <tobytrot@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > >I have decided that if any of my horses colic at a ride again: > >1. I will not allow fluids by stomach tube. >2. Have one inserted to relieve pressure if the gut seems to be completely > > I wouldn't get too "married" to this concept--the jury's not in yet.
It is my understanding that in order to 'relieve pressure'--ie drain reflux--the inserted tube needs to be filled with fluid in order to start the siphoning process.
terre
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