This research article reviews reported cases of unexplained inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) in horses, including granulomatous enteritis, multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis, and idiopathic eosinophilic enterocolitis.

Detailed Study of Various Forms of IBD

• The research studies various forms of IBD in horses such as granulomatous enteritis (GE), multisystemic eosinophilic epitheliotropic disease (MEED), lymphocytic-plasmacytic enterocolitis (LPE), and idiopathic eosinophilic enterocolitis (EC).
• The conditions EC and MEED are used interchangeably to refer to a disease in horses that feature an infiltration of eosinophils in the intestine and other tissues.
• In this study, EC is used specifically to refer to a form of IBD that is characterized by eosinophil infiltration limited to the intestine.

Symptoms, Diagnostics, and Treatments

• Horses with GE, MEED, or LPE are generally checked due to weight loss and depression, while horses with EC are generally checked for symptoms of abdominal pain.
• Horses suffering from IBD typically have a lower concentration of serumal proteins, especially albumin, and have a hindered ability to properly absorb glucose or xylose.
• Diagnosis of IBD before death can only be concluded by performing a histological examination of the affected intestine. In some instances, pre-death diagnosis is concluded based on the histological examination of rectal mucosa obtained via biopsy.
• The research suggests the possible causes of IBD in horses could include an abnormal immune response to bacterial, viral, parasitic, or dietary antigens.
• According to the findings, most horses suffering from IBD do not survive. However, horses with EC have a higher survival rate compared to horses with LPE, MEED, or GE, as they respond positively to treatment.
• The study points out that the successful treatment for horses with IBD includes the surgical removal of the affected part of the intestine and the administration of corticosteroids.