Right dorsal colitis in horses: A multicenter retrospective study of 35 cases.

This research investigated the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Right Dorsal Colitis, a horse disease frequently induced by overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in 35 cases across 7 Australian equine hospitals.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The study aimed to provide concrete insights into the incidence, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, survival outcomes, and factors affecting survival in horses diagnosed with Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC), a protein-losing enteropathy frequent in horses and often induced by NSAIDs.
• The researchers conducted a retrospective case series, wherein they reviewed the clinical records of 35 horses from seven Australian equine hospitals that were definitively or presumptively diagnosed with RDC.
• The cases included for analysis either had a minimum of three of the following conditions: hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia; non-infectious diarrhea; colic with other diseases ruled out; or an ultrasound-proven thickening of the right dorsal colon.
• Descriptive data was analyzed, and univariate binominal logistic regressions were used to evaluate factors affecting survival.

Results of the Study

• The study found that an overdose of NSAIDs occurred in 84% of the cases where the dosage was known, indicating a significant relationship between NSAID overdose and RDC.
• Common symptoms included diarrhea, colic, and tachycardia. Clinicopathological findings included hypoalbuminemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperlactatemia. Via ultrasonography, a thickened right dorsal colon wall was detectable in 77% of the cases.
• The mortality rate was noted to be at 43%, demonstrating a fairly high incidence of fatality in horses afflicted with RDC.
• Increased heart rate, packed cell volume, and abnormal mucous membrane appearance on hospital presentation were found to significantly decrease the odds of survival.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• Overdose of NSAIDs is a common phenomenon in horses diagnosed with RDC. Enhanced caution and regular monitoring of serum albumin concentrations are prescribed for horses on a prolonged course of NSAIDs to prevent or control RDC.
• The overall prognosis for RDC, based on the collected data, remains fair, indicating a need for enhanced diagnostic methods, improved treatment protocols, and efficient preventive measures.