Clinicopathologic evidence of DIC is common and is significantly associated with a poor outcome in horses with acute colitis. Treatment of subclinical DIC may influence outcome in horses with acute colitis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate coagulation profiles in horses with surgical treatment of large colon volvulus (LCV), and determine if an association exists between hemostatic dysfunction and outcome. Design: Prospective clinical investigation from February to December 2000. Setting: Large animal intensive care unit in a veterinary teaching hospital. Interventions: Blood was collected from horses intra-operatively, 24, and 48 hours following surgical treatment for LCV. Measurements: Coagulation profiles, thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) levels, and D-dimer concentrations were determined for each time point. The number of tests abnormal in the standard coagulation profile, defined as the degree of hemostatic dysfunction, was determined for each horse for the duration of the study period. The association between each test and outcome, as well as the degree of hemostatic dysfunction for each horse and outcome, was determined using univariate analysis and logistic regression. TAT levels and D-dimer concentrations were compared to the results of the standard coagulation profile and to patient outcome using univariate analysis and logistic regression. Main results: Seventy percent of horses evaluated with surgical treatment of LCV had evidence of hemostatic dysfunction (3/6 tests abnormal). Only 18% of those patients had clinical signs recognized by the attending clinician as a coagulopathy. There was an association between the development of a coagulopathy and outcome, with horses with 4/6 tests abnormal being more likely to be euthanized, and those with 3/6 tests abnormal having a prolonged hospital stay. Platelet count, prothrombin time, and TAT levels may be helpful in predicting outcome in horses with LCV. Conclusions: Hemostatic function should be evaluated in horses with surgical treatment of LCV to detect subclinical coagulopathies and direct subsequent intervention. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2003; 13(4): 215-225)

Administration of S. boulardii may help decrease the severity and duration of clinical signs in horses with acute enterocolitis.

Results indicated that patient factors, including large intestinal disease, hypoproteinemia, salmonellosis, and endotoxemia, were associated with development of catheter-associated thrombophlebitis in horses.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Few reports exist in the veterinary medical literature describing clinical and pathological findings resembling conditions described as (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in man. Objectives: To document history, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome of foals age 1–12 months diagnosed with ALI/ARDS at a referral hospital. Methods: Medical records, including radiographic, cytological, microbiological, serological and post mortem findings, were reviewed in a retrospective manner to identify foals with acute onset of respiratory distress, a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of oxygen in inspired gases (FiO2) ratio of ≤300 mmHg, pulmonary infiltrates on thoracic radiographs or post mortem findings consistent with ALI/ARDS. Results: Fifteen foals age 1.5–8 months were included in the study. Seven foals had previously been treated for respiratory disease, and all foals developed acute respiratory distress < 48 h prior to presentation. Findings on presentation included tachycardia and tachypnoea in all foals, with fever recorded in 8 cases. Eight cases met the criteria for ALI and 7 for ARDS. Radiographic findings demonstrated diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern with focal to coalescing alveolar radiopacities. An aetiological agent was identified in foals ante mortem (n = 6) and post mortem (n = 4). All foals were treated with intranasal oxygen and antimicrobial drugs; 13 received corticosteroids. Nine patients survived, 4 died due to respiratory failure and 2 were subjected to euthanasia in a moribund state. Follow‐up was available for 7 foals; all performed as well as age mates or siblings, and one was racing successfully. Conclusions: A condition closely meeting the human criteria for ALI/ARDS exists in foals age 1–12 months and may be identical to previously described acute bronchointerstitial pneumonia in young horses. Potential relevance: ALI/ARDS should be suspected in foals with acute severe respiratory distress and hypoxaemia that is minimally responsive to intranasal oxygen therapy. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids, intranasal oxygen and antimicrobials may be beneficial in foals with clinical signs compatible with ALI/ARDS.