[Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the horse].

This study retrospectively examines the diagnostic process and findings in horses suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease from 2000-2006, where evidence was gathered from various diagnostic techniques, pointing toward histological analysis as the most definitive method for reaching a diagnosis.

Study Overview

• The study conducted is a retrospective one that involved assessing horses with chronic inflammatory bowel disease over the span of 6 years (2000-2006).
• The objective was to document and evaluate the diagnostic methods and resulting findings in these cases.

Disease Confirmation

• The chronic inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis was confirmed through histological examination.
• The histological analysis was performed on biopsies taken during two surgical procedures (laparoscopy or laparotomy) or post-mortem examination.

Common Clinical Findings

• Clinically, the most prevalent symptoms presented in these cases were weight loss and chronic diarrhoea.

Auxiliary Examinations

• The study incorporated various ancillary tests such as fecal analysis, gastroscopy, abdominal ultrasonography, and rectal mucosal biopsy.
• Among these tests, the D-xylose absorption test was recognized as being the most informative and helpful in understanding the medical condition.

Conclusion of the Study

• Despite these various diagnostic techniques, the research highlights that a definitive diagnosis is only achievable via a histological analysis of the intestinal segment.
• Although clinical symptoms and laboratory findings are contributory, they do not independently provide a firm diagnosis.