Retrospective Evaluation of the Most Frequently Observed Histological Changes in Duodenal and Rectal Mucosal Biopsies in Horses with Recurrent Colic

Abstract

Colic, a condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract of horses, manifests as severe pain and may be a life-threatening condition. It is possible to distinguish between an acute, disposable process, as well as recurrent colic symptoms (abdominal pain) caused by an ongoing chronic inflammatory process. This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the histopathological findings of duodenal and rectal samples taken from horses with recurrent colic, with the aim to determine the frequency and extent of inflammation. The samples, i.e., duodenal biopsy (60 samples) and rectal biopsy (17 samples), were taken from 77 horses showing recurrent colic symptoms. Histopathological examination included staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The examination included evaluation of the superficial epithelium, mucosal lamina propria, and submucosa. All samples from the duodenum and rectum showed the presence of leukocyte infiltration in the mucosal lamina propria. The most frequently observed cellular infiltration was a moderate infiltration consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells in duodenum and mixed populations of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophilia in the rectum. Mott cells were also noted among the inflammatory infiltrates. More than one-fourth of the horses were found to have shortened intestinal villi. The results presented here showed the involvement of inflammation in the course of recurrent colic, which can be both its cause (by impairing motility and absorption) and its effect (as a result of obstruction or ischemia).

Colic incidence, risk factors, and therapeutic management in a working horse population in Tuban, Indonesia

“…The previous studies by Bowden et al [1] and Purnama et al [16] have also demonstrated that colic symptoms might be accompanied by symptoms such as pale and congestion-ridden mucous membranes, severe dehydration, bowel movement, loss of eating habits, rapid heartbeat per minute, abundant sweat, excessive urine, and rising body temperature. HR, stomach reflux, packed cell volume, capillary refill time, and color of mucous membranes-which can range from cyanotic to brick red-have all been linked favorably in a number of cases involving horses diagnosed with colic [17].…”

“…The season is one of them, together with several management and risk factors specific to horses, such as age, gender, breed, wind-sucking habits, parasites, nutritional status and feeding practices, physical activity, access to housing and pasture, availability of water, movement, and vaccination. According to these results, colic is a complex condition, and recurrent colic is more likely to occur in horses who have already experienced one episode [ 17 ].…”

Findings and Prognosis in 149 Horses with Histological Changes Compatible with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…The least commonly reported type of IBD in horses used to be lymphocytic–plasmacytic enterocolitis (LPE) [ 1 ]. In the more recent literature, however, it appears that LPE is the most common form of IBD [ 5 , 12 ]. LPE causes weight loss, variable diarrhea, depression, recurrent colic and inappetence [ 2 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Ex vivo evaluation of a novel suture loop method for equine intestinal biopsies

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Mucosal biopsies obtained by endoscopy of the duodenum or directly through a transrectal approach have the advantage of being less invasive than an open surgical approach but have low diagnostic sensitivity, with only 20%-56% of biopsies providing an accurate identification of the disease process. 2,[9][10][11] Biopsy samples obtained by ventral midline celiotomy or flank laparotomy have a better diagnostic value 4,12 but also have increased risk of postoperative complications including incisional infections, peritonitis, and patient discomfort in comparison with endoscopic procedures. 4,[11][12][13][14] Advances in laparoscopic techniques for exploration of the abdomen have led to the development of minimally invasive techniques to obtain full thickness biopsy samples.…”

“…Intestinal biopsies in the horse are used in both clinical applications and research to obtain representative samples for identification of changes in intestinal architecture, and infectious or infiltrative disease processes 1–8 . Mucosal biopsies obtained by endoscopy of the duodenum or directly through a transrectal approach have the advantage of being less invasive than an open surgical approach but have low diagnostic sensitivity, with only 20%–56% of biopsies providing an accurate identification of the disease process 2,9–11 . Biopsy samples obtained by ventral midline celiotomy or flank laparotomy have a better diagnostic value 4,12 but also have increased risk of postoperative complications including incisional infections, peritonitis, and patient discomfort in comparison with endoscopic procedures 4,11–14 …”