Myenteric ganglionitis as a cause of recurrent colic in an adult horse.

This research investigates the case of a Lipizzaner stallion suffering from recurring colic episodes, which were eventually identified as a symptom of the rare disease, Myenteric Ganglionitis (MG). Despite extensive medical treatments, the horse had to be euthanized due to the persistence of the disease.

Background

• The subject of the research is a 10-year-old Lipizzaner stallion that had been experiencing recurrent colic for 1.5 years.
• The horse was initially treated for gastric ulcers, with dietary modifications and a deworming protocol. However, symptoms of colic did not improve.

Examinations and Diagnoses

• Through an exploratory procedure, a large colon volvulus, characterized by diffuse wall thickening, was discovered.
• A biopsy was run on a sample from the pelvic flexure, which revealed lymphocytic myenteric ganglionitis (MG), a rare disease in horses that affects gastrointestinal motility.

Medical Interventions

• An unsuccessful management of cecal impaction led to the performance of a complete cecal bypass surgery, and further biopsies of the horse’s cecal and colonic walls confirmed MG.
• Subsequent complications required rigorous dietary control and treatments with prokinetics and corticosteroids post-surgery.

Outcome and Conclusion

• The horse developed another case of large colon impaction three weeks after being discharged. Despite aggressive medical treatment, the colic symptoms persisted and the horse was ultimately euthanized.
• The final intestinal biopsy samples showed chronic changes in intramural ganglia aligning with a generalized presence of MG.
• The research concludes that MG, though rare, can result in severe gastrointestinal motility dysfunction and recurrent colic symptoms in horses. More comprehensive studies are necessary to investigate the cause of the disease and to develop more effective treatment options.