Case study no. 1: Nightmare a 10 year old Quarter Horse gelding HISTORY AND PRESENTATION: Nightmare presented for evaluation of his poor appetite and poor manure production. He was not interested in food for three days or more prior to his arrival. He was treated in the field 2 days or more earlier. He was referred for suspected gastric ulcer or mild colic. There was no improvement in appetite despite Banamine, nasogastric intubation with mineral oil and water, and antiulcer medications. He hadn't had a bowel movement for 24 hours. He had never acted colicky or uncomfortable. Nightmare had no history of exposure to toxic plants or other toxic substances. He was up to date on vaccinations with no history of any disease. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: • Attitude: Quiet and lethargic upon arrival • Body Condition Score: 5/9 (ideal) • Temperature: Normal (100.4 F) • Heart rate: Normal (36 bpm) • Respiratory rate: Normal (16 bpm) • Mucous membranes: pink and moist • CRT: <2 • Peripheral pulse strength: normal • Boriborygmi: decreased on the left, present and tympanic on the right DIAGNOSTICS: Blood work: Complete blood count: within normal limits. No evidence of anemia or infection. Chemistry Panel: Within normal limits except for slightly elevated total bilirubin. Induction: Administration of 100 mg of xylazine together with 3 mg of butorphanol to allow for an oral examination and other diagnostic tests. Oral examination: no foreign bodies, ulcerations, abscesses or masses were observed in the oral cavity. No dental anomalies were detected. Rectal examination: A small amount of pasty stool coated with mineral oil was present in the rectum. The gastrointestinal tract was empty on palpation and no other abnormalities were palpable. Ab ultrasound: The small intestine was visible in the center of the paper to fully evaluate the stomach for any other underlying problems that may affect motility. Horses with gastric obstructions should be fed small meals of soaked small fiber pellets for 4-6 weeks. Encourage hydration and treat any known underlying causes. This is very important to prevent recurrences. References McGonnell & Gillatt Equine Veterinary Practice Ltd Specialist equine vets covering all areas of equine medicine 24-hour telephone: 01488 657575. (nd). Horse Vets Equine Vets McGonnell & Gillatt Berkshire Hampshire Wiltshire Oxfordshire England. Retrieved April 8, 2014, from http://www.horse-vets.co.ukTheHorse: Your Guide to Equine Healthcare | TheHorse.com. (n.d.). TheHorse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care | TheHorse.com. Retrieved April 8, 2014, from http://www.thehorse.comAPA formatting by BibMe.org.