Protein-losing enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis in a weanling foal.

This research reports a case of a young horse suffering from protein-losing enteropathy, a condition causing protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract, caused by a bacterial infection (Lawsonia intracellularis). The case was successfully treated using erythromycin-rifampin.

Case Overview

• The case involved a 5-month-old Morgan filly which was brought into the Atlantic Veterinary College. The horse showed various symptoms including lethargy, fever, depression, refusal to eat (anorexia), and ventral edema, which is fluid accumulation in the lower parts of the body.

Testing and Diagnosis

• Several diagnostic tests were carried out which showed signs of severe inflammation. In addition, the horse had hypoproteinemia, a condition characterized by low levels of protein in the blood. This indicated possible malnutrition or a disease process causing loss or underproduction of protein.
• Imaging studies detected thickened small intestinal loops, a common sign of protein-losing enteropathy. The combined results therefore led to the diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy.
• Furthermore, the causative agent of the disease was identified as Lawsonia intracellularis, a bacterium that affects different animal species causing proliferative enteropathy, a disease characterized by thickening of the intestinal wall due to abnormal cell growth.

Treatment & Outcome

• The infected horse was treated with erythromycin-rifampin, a combination of antibiotics typically used to combat bacteria inside cells. Noticeably, Lawsonia intracellularis is an intracellular bacterium making the treatment approach highly appropriate.
• Following the treatment, the condition of the horse improved hence indicating the effectiveness of the chosen treatment strategy.