Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in horses: a retrospective study exploring the value of different diagnostic approaches

Abstract

BackgroundDiagnosing IBD in horses is challenging and requires a multimodal approach, since no conclusive diagnostic test is available.The objectives of this study were to provide an overview of population characteristics, results of applied diagnostic tests, treatment modalities and outcome in a large group of horses thought to have IBD and that were presented to four large equine referral hospitals, and to provide an exploratory investigation of possible associations between results of applied diagnostic tests, applied treatment modalities and outcome.A retrospective case series was performed across four large equine referral hospitals. Seventy-eight horses, thought to have IBD were included. Case history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and enteral biopsies (both duodenal and rectal), applied therapy and outcome were studied. A Chi-Square test was used to identify associations between results of diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsLethargy, diarrhoea, recurrent colic and weight loss were recorded in respectively 21,8%; 14,1%; 28,2% and 78,2% of cases. Over 70% of horses thought to have IBD had an abnormal OGTT. Only weight loss was significantly associated with aberrant enteral biopsy results, but not with abnormal OGTT results or low blood total protein. There was no association between an aberrant biopsy result and a disturbed OGTT. There was no association between either OGTT results or enteral biopsy results and a low blood total protein content, presence of gastric ulcer disease or an aberrant endoscopic aspect of the duodenal entrance.ConclusionsWeight loss is a highly prevalent symptom in IBD suspected horses. Enteral biopsies may be a useful diagnostic aid in the work-up of horses thought to suffer from IBD, however further research is required to demonstrate their true diagnostic value. Until more standardized scientific research is available, one should be careful with the interpretation of enteral biopsy results There is a need for better standardization of enteral biopsy procedures and the histopathological scoring of biopsies.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1343-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Erkennen, Verstehen, Behandeln

“…10 € je Probe teurer als die Bestimmung der Blutglukosekonzentration. [45]. Die vorherige Gabe von n-Butylscopolamin (Buscopan ® comp.)…”

Can the outcome of an impaired oral glucose absorption test in horses be improved with fat supplementation and dietary modifications?

“…Similarly, Boshuizen et al 15 reported weight loss as the most common clinical sign associated with IBD and over 70 per cent of horses thought to have IBD had an abnormal OGTT. All horses included in the current paper presented with weight loss as the main clinical sign.…”

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“…The clinical symptoms and molecular features have been found to be common in both animals and humans [198][199][200][201][202][203] ; however, some animal breeds are more predisposed to IBD. 199,201,[204][205][206][207][208] There is speculation that IBD evolved partially due to an inappropriate immune response to bacterial and/or dietary antigens. Food sensitivities and allergies contribute to compromised immune function.…”