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Home / Equine Research Bank / Ir Vet J / Right dorsal colitis in the horse: minireview and reports on...
Irish veterinary journal2004; 57(8); 467-473; doi: 10.1186/2046-0481-57-8-467

Right dorsal colitis in the horse: minireview and reports on three cases in Ireland.

Abstract: : Right dorsal colitis (RDC) is an ulcerative inflammatory bowel disorder of the horse that has been associated with the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in horses treated when dehydrated or toxaemic. The acute form of RDC may result in profuse diarrhoea, severe colic, dehydration, endotoxic shock and even death; the chronic form may be manifest by mild to moderate intermittent colic, ventral oedema and weight loss with or without diarrhoea. The most consistent laboratory findings are anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hypocalcaemia. Medical management of RDC requires avoidance of NSAIDs, of stressful experiences and of large-volume diets. Specific medications such as sucralfate and metronidazole have been used to treat RDC in the horse. The use of dietary additions such as psyllium and corn oil has been mentioned in the literature.RDC has not been reported previously in Ireland or Britain; here we report that the condition was diagnosed in three horses in Ireland on the bases of a history of phenylbutazone therapy, clinical signs, clinical pathology and ultrasonography. In two of the three horses the diagnosis was confirmed by direct inspection of the affected colon at celiotomy.
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Publication Date: 2004-08-01 PubMed ID: 21851661PubMed Central: PMC3113814DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-57-8-467Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study discusses Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC), a serious bowel disorder in horses typically linked to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. The research provides insight into the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of RDC, while also describing three confirmations of RDC in horses in Ireland, where it had never been previously reported.

About Right Dorsal Colitis

  • Right dorsal colitis (RDC) is an inflammatory bowel disease in horses, generally associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Horses being treated under conditions of dehydration or toxemia are particularly vulnerable.
  • Two forms of RDC exist: acute and chronic. The acute form can result in significant diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, endotoxic shock, and possibly death. The chronic form may present as mild to moderate intermittent abdominal pain, swelling of the underside (ventral oedema), and weight loss, and may or may not be accompanied by diarrhea.
  • The primary laboratory indications of the condition are anemia (a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells), hypoproteinaemia (low protein levels in the blood), hypoalbuminaemia (low albumin levels) and hypocalcaemia (calcium deficiency).

Treatment of RDC

  • RDC is typically managed by avoiding NSAIDs, reducing stress, and limiting the intake of high-volume diets in the affected horses.
  • Specific medications, such as sucralfate and metronidazole, have been found effective in treating RDC. Additions to diet like psyllium and corn oil are also hinted at in existing research.

RDC in Ireland

  • This research provides the first documented instances of RDC in Ireland, with three confirmed cases.
  • The diagnosis was based on a history of phenylbutazone (an NSAID) therapy, clinical signs, clinical pathology, and ultrasonography.
  • In two out of the three horses, the diagnosis was confirmed through direct observation of the affected colon during abdominal surgery (celiotomy).

Cite This Article

APA
Galvin N, Dillon H, McGovern F. (2004). Right dorsal colitis in the horse: minireview and reports on three cases in Ireland. Ir Vet J, 57(8), 467-473. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-0481-57-8-467

Publication

Irish veterinary journal
ISSN: 0368-0762
NlmUniqueID: 0100762
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Volume: 57
Issue: 8
Pages: 467-473

Researcher Affiliations

Galvin, Noreen
  • Bohergoy, Maddenstown, The Curragh, Co Kildare, Ireland. galvinnoreen@eircom.net.
Dillon, Hugh
    McGovern, Frank

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      This article has been cited 7 times.
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      2. Flood J, Byrne D, Bauquier J, Agne GF, Wise JC, Medina-Torres CE, Wood K, Sullivan O, Stewart AJ. Right dorsal colitis in horses: A multicenter retrospective study of 35 cases. J Vet Intern Med 2023 Nov-Dec;37(6):2535-2543.
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