Topic:Colitis
Colitis in horses refers to inflammation of the colon, which can result from various causes including infections, toxins, and dietary changes. This condition affects the gastrointestinal system and can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Colitis may be acute or chronic, with varying severity and potential complications. Diagnostic approaches often involve clinical examination, laboratory testing, and sometimes endoscopy or imaging to determine the underlying cause. Treatment strategies typically focus on addressing the primary cause, managing symptoms, and providing supportive care. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of colitis in equine patients.
Detection of Neorickettsia risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever, in a Gypsy Vanner stallion from Manitoba. A horse with colitis from Manitoba referred to the Veterinary Medical Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, was diagnosed with Potomac horse fever (PHF). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the feces confirmed Neorickettsia risticii infection. This is the first reported case of PHF in Manitoba. Détection deNeorickettsia risticii,agent de la fièvre du Potomac, chez un étalon Gypsy Vanner du Manitoba. Un diagnostic de fièvre du Potomac a été posé pour un cheval du Manitoba atteint de colite qui avait été recommandé au Veterinary Medical Centre du Western College of Veterina...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ulcerative keratitis in a Thoroughbred racehorse. We report the first case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis in a racehorse. A 5-year-old mare developed punctate keratitis after racing. The corneal ulcer continued to expand despite ophthalmic antimicrobial therapy. On day 6, a conjunctival graft surgery was performed. The mare was euthanized, following colitis and laminitis development on day 10. MRSA was isolated from the corneal swab taken at the time of euthanasia. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated gram-positive and anti-S. aureus monoclonal antibody-positive cocci infiltration of the corneal stroma; a...
Gastritis, Enteritis, and Colitis in Horses. The gastrointestinal system of horses is affected by a large variety of inflammatory infectious and noninfectious conditions. The most prevalent form of gastritis is associated with ulceration of the pars esophagea. Although the diagnostic techniques for alimentary diseases of horses have improved significantly over the past few years, difficulties still exist in establishing the causes of a significant number of enteric diseases in this species. This problem is compounded by several agents of enteric disease also being found in the intestine of clinically normal horses, which questions the va...
Characterization of Clostridium perfringens in the feces of adult horses and foals with acute enterocolitis. Up to 60% of cases of equine colitis have no known cause. To improve understanding of the causes of acute colitis in horses, we hypothesized that Clostridium perfringens producing enterotoxin (CPE) and/or beta2 toxin (CPB2) are common and important causes of severe colitis in horses and/or that C. perfringens producing an as-yet-undescribed cytotoxin may also cause colitis in horses. Fecal samples from 55 horses (43 adults, 12 foals) with clinical evidence of colitis were evaluated by culture for the presence of Clostridium difficile, C. perfringens, and Salmonella. Feces were also examined by...
Postoperative Clostridium difficile infection with PCR ribotype 078 strain identified at necropsy in five Thoroughbred racehorses. Clostridium difficile is an important cause of acute enterocolitis in horses. We describe five cases of C difficile infection occurring postoperatively in Thoroughbred racehorses. Following diarrhoea or colic accompanied by a marked increase in packed cell volume (to ≥60 per cent) and leucopenia (≤4000 cells/μl) within two to four days after surgery in all five horses, four of them died or were euthanased because of colitis or severe diarrhoea. In these four horses, necrotising entero-typhlo-colitis was revealed by postmortem examination, and C difficile was recovered from the contents of...
Prophylactic digital cryotherapy is associated with decreased incidence of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis. Recent research suggested that prophylactic digital cryotherapy (ICE) improved lameness scores, diminished histological changes and early laminar inflammatory signalling in horses following oligofructose administration. In clinical practice, horses at risk for sepsis-associated laminitis receive ICE. Evidence to support this practice is lacking. Objective: To determine factors associated with development of laminitis in horses diagnosed with colitis, including ICE. Methods: Multicentre retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records for horses admitted to 2 university hospitals diagnosed w...
Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in 5 weanling foals. This report describes 5 cases of fatal Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in weanling Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals. The lesions are similar to those of the L. intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis syndrome in pigs. Two foals had concurrent severe typhlo-colitis as a result of a large burden of encysted cyathostomes. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges, and the potential complications encountered during the management of such cases are discussed. Entérite ulcérative et nécro-hémorragique asso...
Clinical and clinicopathological factors associated with survival in 44 horses with equine neorickettsiosis (Potomac horse Fever). The epidemiology of equine neorickettsiosis (EN) has been extensively studied but limited clinical and clinicopathological data are available concerning naturally infected horses. Objective: Factors predictive of survival will be identified in horses diagnosed with EN. Methods: Convenience sample of 44 horses with EN admitted to 2 referral institutions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed. A diagnosis of EN was based on the presence of positive blood or fecal PCR. Results: The most common clinical signs included diarrhea (66%), fever (50%), anorexia (45%), depression (39%), colic (39%...
Pathology and diagnostic criteria of Clostridium difficile enteric infection in horses. Clostridium difficile is commonly associated with diarrhea and colitis in humans and other mammals, including horses. To this date, the epidemiologic, microbiologic, clinical, and diagnostic aspects of C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) in horses have been thoroughly described. However, reports describing the enteric pathology of this disease in horses are limited. This study presents a comprehensive description of the pathologic characteristics of CDAD in 21 horses and discusses the criteria for the diagnosis of the disease. Case selection was based on C. difficile A/B toxins detection (e...
Jejunal intussusception associated with lymphoma in a horse. A 2-year-old Thoroughbred horse presented with acute onset of colitis, and the intussuscepted jejunum was surgically resected. A transmural mass protruding into the lumen was found at the leading edge of the intussusceptum. Based on histological and immunohistochemical examinations, the mass was diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with metastasis to the mesenteric lymph nodes. Anatomical localization of the mass in the intussusception and absence of other obvious underlying diseases indicated that the intussusception had occurred in association with the mass. To our knowledge, this case...
Physicochemical interpretation of acid-base abnormalities in 54 adult horses with acute severe colitis and diarrhea. The quantitative effect of strong electrolytes, pCO2 , and plasma protein concentration in determining plasma pH and bicarbonate concentrations can be demonstrated with the physicochemical approach. Plasma anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) are used to assess the presence or absence of unmeasured anions. Objective: The physicochemical approach is useful for detection and explanation of acid-base disorders in horses with colitis. AG and SIG accurately predict hyperlactatemia in horses with colitis. Methods: Fifty-four horses with acute colitis and diarrhea. Methods: Retrospective study. Ph...
Comparison of the fecal microbiota of healthy horses and horses with colitis by high throughput sequencing of the V3-V5 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The intestinal tract houses one of the richest and most complex microbial populations on the planet, and plays a critical role in health and a wide range of diseases. Limited studies using new sequencing technologies in horses are available. The objective of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiome of healthy horses and to compare the fecal microbiome of healthy horses to that of horses with undifferentiated colitis. A total of 195,748 sequences obtained from 6 healthy horses and 10 horses affected by undifferentiated colitis were analyzed. Firmicutes predominated (68%) among health...
Granulomatous typhlocolitis, lymphangitis, and lymphadenitis in a horse infected with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and cyathostomes. A 15-year-old American Quarter horse mare was euthanized because of poor response to therapy for severe diarrhea. Significant gross findings were limited to the large intestines. The walls of the cecum and colon were thickened with widely scattered nodules in the mucosa and submucosa that extended into the enlarged colic lymph nodes. Microscopically, there was severe granulomatous typhlocolitis, lymphangitis, and lymphadenitis, with many intralesional Gram-positive, non-acid-fast coccobacilli and few cyathostomes. Intralesional bacteria were immunohistochemically and polymerase chain reaction ...
Clinical, pathological, and genetic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes causing sepsis and necrotizing typhlocolitis and hepatitis in a foal. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the blood, lungs, and liver of a 5-week-old American Quarter Horse filly that presented with a 2-day history of fever, lethargy, ataxia, and seizure activity. The foal was born on a well-managed breeding facility to a multiparous mare with no periparturient complications. At 8 hr of age, the foal had an adequate passive transfer of immunity (immunoglobulin G > 2,000 mg/dl). Since the time of birth, the foal reportedly had mild, intermittent diarrhea that responded to gastrointestinal protectants and probiotics. Despite prompt and aggressive treatment af...
Serial measurement of lactate concentration in horses with acute colitis. Serial measurement of lactate concentration is utilized for therapeutic and prognostic purposes in human critical care. The prognostic value of serial lactate measurement in equine acute colitis warrants investigation. Objective: Serial lactate concentrations are predictive of outcome in horses with colitis. Methods: A total of 101 horses with colitis. Methods: Retrospective study. Plasma L-lactate concentrations were measured at admission and at 4-8 and 24 hours after admission. Associations between admission, early (4-8 hours) and late (24 hours) lactate concentrations, and survival status w...
Beta 2 toxigenic Clostridium perfringens type A colitis in a three-day-old foal. Beta 2 (β2)-toxigenic Clostridium perfringens type A was recovered in large numbers from the intestine of a neonatal foal with colitis. The foal had been treated with gentamicin. Necropsy revealed marked distension of cecum and colon with watery, rust-colored homogeneous fluid and gastric infarction. Microscopic colonic lesions were superficial necrosis of 50% of the colonic mucosal surface and scattered 1-3-mm ulcers with subjacent neutrophilic infiltration and large Gram-positive bacilli in the necrotic mucosa. Beta-2 toxin was demonstrated in the lesions by immunohistochemical staining.
Thromboelastography in healthy horses and horses with inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders and suspected coagulopathies. To evaluate the use of citrated recalcified (nonactivated) thromboelastography (TEG) in healthy horses and horses with colitis and suspected coagulopathies. Methods: Prospective, observational study conducted between October 2007 and June 2009. Methods: Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Methods: Forty-five healthy adult horses and 12 sick adult horses with colitis and prolonged prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Methods: None. Results: Whole blood was collected on admission. Coagulation profile (PT, aPTT, platelet count, and fibrinogen concentration) and citrate...
[Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the horse]. The present retrospective study describes the diagnostic workup and collected findings in 7 horses with chronic inflammatory bowel disease over the years 2000-2006. The diagnosis could be confirmed histologically with biopsies taken during laparoscopy or laparotomy or during post mortem examination. Weight loss and chronic diarrhoea were the most commonly reported clinical findings. Among ancillary examinations (fecal analysis, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, rectal mucosal biopsy) the D-xylose absorption test provided the most useful information. Although clinical signs and laboratory...
Right dorsal colon resection and bypass for treatment of right dorsal colitis in a horse. To describe a novel surgical technique for management of right dorsal colitis in the horse. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: 14-year-old Warmblood gelding. Methods: The horse was referred for treatment of a stromal abscess and signs of right dorsal colitis. Plasma chemistry revealed marked hypoproteinemia. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a thickened right dorsal colon (RDC). Medical treatment was unsuccessful. With the horse in left lateral recumbency under general anesthesia, an approach to the right side of the abdomen through a 16th rib resection was made. The thoracic cavit...
Enteric dysganglionosis resembling intestinal neuronal dysplasia in a foal with bacterial colitis. A 5-day-old quarter horse colt with a history of hypothermia, agonal breathing, and diarrhea was euthanized. At necropsy, numerous slightly raised, discrete, closely approximated submucosal nodules were observed in the colon and small intestine. Histologically, these nodules were composed of expanded submucosal mesenchyme that contained numerous neurons either individually or in ganglia. Thirty-two percent of these ganglia included 8 or more neurons, in contrast to 6% in an age-matched foal. Some nodules had necrosuppurative inflammation with vasculitis, thrombosis, and bacterial colonization....
Study of laryngopharyngeal pathology in Thoroughbred horses in southern California. There is increasing anecdotal evidence among horse owners, trainers and equine clinicians of a high prevalence of subepiglottic ulcers, suggested to have a negative effect on racing performance. Objective: To provide a prevalence study and pathological characterisation of laryngopharyngeal lesions with emphasis in the subepiglottic area and, in particular, subepiglottic ulcers. Methods: The study was carried out on 91 Thoroughbred racehorses received for post mortem examination from 4 major Southern California racetracks. The most common reason for submission was catastrophic musculoskeletal i...
Fecal microbiota of horses in the clinical setting: potential effects of penicillin and general anesthesia. Antimicrobial treatment is associated with the spread of antimicrobial resistance and disturbances in the ecological balance of intestinal microbiota. In horses, the main adverse effect of antimicrobial treatment is colitis. We used culture and 16S rRNA gene based molecular methods to monitor the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and changes in predominant fecal populations during penicillin treatment and general anesthesia of horses in the clinical setting. After 5 days of parenteral administration of penicillin, fecal Escherichia coli were resistant to multiple unrelated antimicrobial a...
Acute diarrhea in hospitalized horses. The development of diarrhea among hospitalized horses is a major concern for equine veterinary hospitals and referral centers. It is a potential complication of hospitalization for surgical or medical procedures and can contribute to the morbidity and mortality of horses with gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal diseases. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of acute diarrhea or colitis, and in most cases, the specific etiologic agent is presumptive or undetermined. This article discusses the major etiologic agents of diarrhea in hospitalized horses, considers fa...
Equine colitis X associated with infection by Clostridium difficile NAP1/027. A 14-year-old Quarter Horse with a 48-hr history of colic was euthanized after failure to respond to treatment. At necropsy, cecal and colonic mucosae were congested throughout, and there was segmental edema and significant thickening of the intestinal wall. Excessive numbers of mononuclear cells were found in mucosal lamina propria. Submucosal hemorrhage was diffuse and extensive, and Clostridium difficile toxins A and B were detected. Large numbers of C. difficile were isolated, and genetic characterization revealed them to be North American pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type 1, polymeras...
Characterization of hypertriglyceridemia and response to treatment with insulin in horses, ponies, and donkeys: 44 cases (1995-2005). To characterize signalment, clinical signs of disease, and clinical response to insulin in equids with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 20 horses, 17 ponies, and 7 donkeys with hypertriglyceridemia. Methods: For analysis of medical record data, horses, donkeys, and ponies with multiple serum or plasma triglycerides measurements were separated into groups. Hypertriglyceridemic equids that were (HT-I; n = 14) or were not (HT-N; 10) treated with insulin consisted of equids with an initial triglycerides concentration > 44 mg/dL but < 500 mg/dL. Equids with an init...
Ultrastructure and some pathological pictures of Gastrodicus aegyptiacus (Cobbold, 1876) in Egyptian horses. The surface ultrastructure (SEM) of adult worms and eggs of the equine caecal fluke, Gastodiscus aegyptiacus, together with some pathological observations of the caecum and colon of infected horses were studied. SEM showed that G. aegyptiacus had a disc-like body with anterior cone-like part. The oral sucker was surrounded by numerous dome-shaped papillae. The cone-like part possessed tubercle-like papillae at its anterior third. The large ventral sucker was subterminal with small papillae at its rim. The ventral surface was covered with large cauliflower-like papillae. Microvilli were densely...
The little-known scenario of anthelmintic resistance in equine cyathostomes in Italy. Cyathostomes (Nematoda, Cyathostominae) cause colic, decreased performance and growth, peripheral edema, and dysorexia in equids. Also, the synchronous emergence of cyathostome larvae encysted in the colon and cecal wall causes larval cyathostominosis, which is characterized by protein-depriving enteropathy, chronic diarrhea, edema, weight loss, colitis, and may be fatal. In the past few decades, drug resistance in cyathostomes has become widespread, especially for benzimidazoles. Resistance to tetrahydropyrimidines is still confined to a few areas, and the recent reports of reduced efficacy i...
[Free hemoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the blood of horses with colic or acute colitis]. A total of 50 adult horses were classified into 4 groups: healthy horses (group 1, n = 14), horses with non-strangulation obstruction (group 2, n = 13), horses with strangulation obstruction (group 3, n = 11) and horses with acute colitis and severe inflammation (peritonitis or thrombophlebitis) (group 4, n = 12). Eleven euthanized horses recreated from group 3 (4 horses with small intestinal strangulation obstruction and hemolytic peritoneal fluid) and group 4 (7 horses with septic peritonitis) were taken as group 5. Free hemoglobin (fr. Hb) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa) were measure...