Chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis in the horse

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis (CEG) is a rare gastrointestinal disorder.
• CEG in horses presents with malabsorption, weight loss, and diarrhea.
• Eosinophilic infiltrates characterize the inflammatory response in CEG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe four clinical cases of chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis in horses.
• To detail the clinical manifestations and pathological findings of CEG in equine patients.
• To investigate the potential cause of CEG in horses, focusing on hypersensitivity reactions.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of four horses diagnosed with CEG.
• Clinical examination and evaluation of symptoms including weight loss, malabsorption, and fecal consistency.
• Histopathological examination of gastrointestinal tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes to identify inflammatory infiltrates.
• Assessment of associated conditions such as skin lesions.

Main Results:

• All four horses exhibited weight loss, malabsorption, and diarrhea with soft, formless feces.
• Histopathology revealed chronic inflammatory reactions with diffuse and focal eosinophilic infiltrates throughout the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and mesenteric lymph nodes.
• The underlying cause was not definitively identified but suggested to be an ingested allergen triggering an immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
• One horse presented with generalized acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and ulcerative coronitis.

Conclusions:

• Chronic eosinophilic gastroenteritis in horses is characterized by significant weight loss, malabsorption, and diarrhea.
• The disease involves widespread eosinophilic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and associated lymph nodes.
• An ingested allergen triggering an immediate hypersensitivity reaction is the suspected etiology for CEG in horses.