Differential diagnosis of diarrhoea in horses over six months of age.

The research article discusses the differential diagnosis methods used to ascertain the cause of diarrhoea in horses aged over six months. It delves into the various possibilities behind the condition categorized as “acute” or “chronic”, exploring various diseases as potential causes.

Explanation of the Research Paper

This research paper broadly segregates the issue of diarrhoea in horses as ‘acute’ and ‘chronic’, which essentially means short-term and long-term diarrhoea respectively. The severe symptoms are associated with the ‘acute’ version, namely progressive electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, toxaemia, and other life-threatening manifestations. The term ‘chronic’ refers to cases that have persisted for a month or longer.

Determining the Cause of Diarrhoea

• The paper emphasizes the relevance of conducting a thorough clinical work-up, which includes a complete history of the horse. These questions would encompass the horse’s health, diet, and any previous cases of diarrhoea. They facilitate an accurate diagnosis coupled with a scientific understanding of the ‘patterns of the disease’. This essentially refers to recurring symptoms or the progression of symptoms over time.
• The paper also highlights the diagnostic procedures that should be included in the evaluation. These procedures analyze the horse’s biological and physical health, aiding in diagnosing the cause of the diarrhoea accurately.

Potential Causes of “Acute” Diarrhoea

• The diseases discussed in connection with acute diarrhoea include salmonellosis, abnormal conditions like haemorrhagic and oedematous colon (Colitis X), acute peritonitis, and Corynebacterium equi infection. All these conditions have severe and sudden symptoms that align with the description of ‘acute diarrhoea’.

Potential Causes of “Chronic” Diarrhoea

• The causes behind chronic diarrhoea highlighted in the paper are strongyle larval migrans, granulomatous enteritis, chronic liver disease, Corynebacterium equi infection, and chronic salmonellosis. These diseases typically show prolonged, repeating symptoms aligning with the ‘chronic’ diarrhoea’s description.