Bacterial and viral enterocolitis in horses: a review
Francisco A Uzal1, Luis G Arroyo2, Mauricio A Navarro1,3
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California-Davis, San Bernardino Laboratory, USA.
Summary
Equine enterocolitis, a common cause of horse illness, is difficult to diagnose due to similar symptoms and asymptomatic carriers. This review details key bacterial and viral pathogens responsible for these gastrointestinal diseases in horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Enteritis, colitis, and enterocolitis are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in horses.
- Diagnosis is complicated by overlapping clinical signs, lesions, and the presence of some causative agents in healthy animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary bacterial and viral etiologies of enterocolitis in horses.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and common clinical presentations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common bacterial and viral causes of equine enterocolitis.
- Summarization of clinical signs, pathological findings, and diagnostic approaches.
Main Results:
- Identified key pathogens including *Salmonella* spp., *Clostridium* spp., *Rhodococcus equi*, *Neorickettsia risticii*, *Lawsonia intracellularis*, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus.
- Diarrhea and colic are hallmark signs, often associated with necrotizing mucosal changes in the equine gastrointestinal tract.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis relies on integrating clinical, gross, and microscopic findings with laboratory confirmation of specific agents or toxins.
- Understanding the diverse etiologies is crucial for effective management and treatment of equine enterocolitis.
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