Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enteropathy in a foal.

This study examines a case of an adolescent foal diagnosed with proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. The research further investigates the source of the infection and successfully treats the foal using a combination of azithromycin and rifampin.

Main Findings

• The study revolves around a case of a weanling foal that was diagnosed with proliferative enteropathy, a disease of the intestines. This condition was caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, a bacterium that invades the cells lining the intestines.
• The diagnosis was made based on the foal’s history, as well as clinical signs that included depression, anorexia (loss of appetite), weight loss, colic (abdominal pain), diarrhea, and ventral edema (swelling along the belly).
• For diagnosis confirmation, serology and a fecal PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test were performed. Serology is a test for identifying diseases based on the body’s immune response, while a fecal PCR is a genetic test that can detect the presence of a specific bacterium in the stool.

Epidemiological Investigation

• Further into the study, an epidemiological investigation was carried out on the premises where the foal lived. This was done to ascertain the extent of the infection within the population and identify possible sources of infection.
• The results of this investigation revealed that many of the other foals and adult horses tested positive for Lawsonia intracellularis, indicated by their serological tests. This confirmed the presence of the bacteria in the environment, even though these animals were not showing any clinical signs of the disease.
• The study suggests that a dog present on the premises could have been a source of infection for the foal, demonstrating the potential for cross-species transmission of Lawsonia intracellularis.

Treatment Outcome

• The study details a successful treatment for the infected foal. A combined antibiotic treatment of azithromycin and rifampin was administered, which led to the recovery of the foal from the disease.
• This provides valuable insight into potential treatment regimens for Lawsonia intracellularis infections in equines and presents the possibility for further research and real-world applications in treating this often-debilitating condition.