Examining the mucous membranes of the conjunctiva and gingiva
are critical parameters in the assessment of a patient presented
for colic. The color of the mucous membranes in a colicky horse
may vary from pale pink to brick red to cyanotic blue to purple.
A colicky horse can have normal mucous membranes. Simple
obstructive or spasmodic colics rarely show degenerative changes
in the color or refill time of the mucous membranes. Changes in
color are most likely associated with vascular strangulating
lesions which cause hypovolemic changes due to fluid
redistribution. Click on your next PE point to continue with
your physical exam.