Diagnosis and Treatment of Undifferentiated and Infectious Acute Diarrhea in the Adult Horse

Abstract

Acute, infectious, diarrhea in adult horses is a major cause of morbidity and is associated with numerous complications. Common causes include salmonellosis, clostridiosis, Coronavirus, and infection with Neorickettsia risticii (Potomac horse fever). Treatment is empirical and supportive until results of specific diagnostic tests are available. Supportive care is aimed at restoring hydration, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and limiting the systemic inflammatory response. The mainstays of therapy are intravenous fluid therapy, electrolyte supplementation where necessary, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and nutritional support. Specific therapies include colloid oncotic support, antibiotics, hyperimmune plasma, polymyxin B, pentoxifylline, probiotics, binding agents, gastroprotectants, laminitis prevention, and coagulation prophylaxis.

Luminal and Mucosal Microbiota of the Cecum and Large Colon of Healthy and Diarrheic Horses

“…In adult horses, the acute inflammatory process of the cecum and colon, referred to as acute colitis or typhlocolitis, can result in profuse watery diarrhea, which is the hallmark clinical sign of the disease [1,2]. Horses with acute diarrhea are commonly referred to equine hospitals because they require intensive treatment [1,3,4].…”

“…In adult horses, the acute inflammatory process of the cecum and colon, referred to as acute colitis or typhlocolitis, can result in profuse watery diarrhea, which is the hallmark clinical sign of the disease [1,2]. Horses with acute diarrhea are commonly referred to equine hospitals because they require intensive treatment [1,3,4]. Some infectious agents known to cause diarrhea include Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis (weanlings), Neorickettsia risticii (Potomac horse fever), coronavirus and small strongyles [1,3].…”

“…Horses with acute diarrhea are commonly referred to equine hospitals because they require intensive treatment [1,3,4]. Some infectious agents known to cause diarrhea include Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis (weanlings), Neorickettsia risticii (Potomac horse fever), coronavirus and small strongyles [1,3]. Diarrhea can also result from non-infectious causes, such as antibiotic associated diarrhea, sand impaction and toxicities (phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine) [1,3].…”

“…Some infectious agents known to cause diarrhea include Salmonella enterica, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis (weanlings), Neorickettsia risticii (Potomac horse fever), coronavirus and small strongyles [1,3]. Diarrhea can also result from non-infectious causes, such as antibiotic associated diarrhea, sand impaction and toxicities (phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine) [1,3]. However, despite extensive microbiological and epidemiological investigative efforts to determine the cause of diarrhea in horses, a causal agent cannot be established in an astonishingly large proportion (>60%) of these cases [5].…”

Accidental overdose of intravenously injected unfractionated heparin followed by prolonged clotting times in an anaesthetised Shetland pony

“…Although the UFH overdose did not cause immediate fatal or life‐threatening complications in the presentpatient, the final outcome was unfortunate. Colitis is a fairly common disease in horses and is considered to be a life‐threatening condition 2526…”