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Home / Equine Research Bank / Open Vet J / Changes in the gut microbiome and colic in horses: Are they ...
Open veterinary journal2022; 12(2); 242-249; doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i2.12

Changes in the gut microbiome and colic in horses: Are they causes or consequences?

Abstract: The gut microbiome is a compound for millions of microorganisms that coexist in an organized way and contribute to the fermentation of different types of indigestible fibers by the small intestine. Some techniques, such as the massive sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, have made it possible to obtain information about the abundance and functionality of the microorganisms that compose the equine gut microbiome and the interaction with their environment. Recent studies have identified the change in the composition of the intestinal microbiome during and after a colic episode, although is not clear if it is a cause or a consequence. The objective of this review was to elucidate whether there is a direct relationship between the changes that occur in the gut microbiome and colic in the equine. A systematized search in Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed was realized. Although there is good evidence that horses with colic have a change in their gut microbiome, it is not fully understood whether these changes are causes or effects. It is necessary to delve into this topic, considering studying larger population sizes. In addition, it would be of great value to previously know the normal intestinal microbiome of a group of healthy horses, which in the future could develop an episode of colic, to compare the before and after in the same individual.
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Publication Date: 2022-04-06 PubMed ID: 35603065PubMed Central: PMC9109837DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i2.12Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the changes in the gut microbiome of horses, specifically during episodes of colic, and attempts to identify if these changes are a direct cause or a consequence of the condition.

Understanding the gut microbiome

  • The gut microbiome is a complex system of millions of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. These organisms contribute to the process of fermenting indigestible fibers that the small intestine cannot process.
  • Recent advancements in techniques such as sequencing the 16S ribosomal RNA gene have allowed researchers to gain insights about the abundance and functionality of these microorganisms, as well as their interaction with their environment.

Correlation between gut microbiome and colic in horses

  • A change in the composition of the gut microbiome has been observed during and after colic attacks in horses. However, it remains unclear whether this change is a cause or consequence of colic.
  • The primary aim of this research was to clarify whether there is a direct relationship between the alteration in the gut microbiome and colic in horses.
  • To reach their conclusions, the researchers conducted a systematic review of previous studies available at Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed.

Findings and further research

  • The review found strong evidence suggesting that horses with colic do experience changes in their gut microbiome. Despite these findings, it is still unclear whether these changes are a cause or a result of the colic episode.
  • The researchers concluded that more in-depth studies need to be done on this subject and that larger population sizes need to be included in such studies.
  • One suggested approach for future studies was to establish a baseline for what is considered a normal intestinal microbiome in a group of healthy horses. These horses could then be monitored to see if any develop colic, and a comparison of their microbiomes could then be made before and after the episode, offering more direct insights into the relationship between microbiome changes and colic.

Cite This Article

APA
Lara F, Castro R, Thomson P. (2022). Changes in the gut microbiome and colic in horses: Are they causes or consequences? Open Vet J, 12(2), 242-249. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i2.12

Publication

Open veterinary journal
ISSN: 2218-6050
NlmUniqueID: 101653182
Country: Libya
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Pages: 242-249

Researcher Affiliations

Lara, Felipe
  • Unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Equina, Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile.
Castro, Rodrigo
  • Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile.
Thomson, Pamela
  • Laboratorio Microbiología Clínica y Microbioma, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Colic / veterinary
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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