Acute febrile diarrhoea in horses: 86 cases (1986-1991)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Health
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Acute diarrhea is a significant health concern in horses, particularly those in training.
• Understanding the clinical presentation and risk factors is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and outcomes of horses presenting with acute diarrhea.
• To investigate potential causes and predisposing factors for acute diarrhea in a cohort of horses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series analysis of 86 horses with acute diarrhea admitted to a rural veterinary center between 1986 and 1991.
• Clinical examination, laboratory analysis of blood and fecal samples, and necropsy findings were reviewed.

Main Results:

• The majority of affected horses were young (69% ≤ 3 years), male (61%), and of Thoroughbred or Standardbred breeds (83%).
• Common clinical signs included fever, profuse diarrhea, dehydration, and shock. Characteristic laboratory findings included degenerative leukopenia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, and azotemia.
• Laminitis occurred in approximately 30% of cases. The etiology remained undetermined in most cases, with Salmonella isolated in only two instances.

Conclusions:

• Acute diarrhea in horses presents with severe clinical signs and characteristic laboratory abnormalities.
• While the cause is often elusive, factors like training, recent illness, and antimicrobial use may play a role.
• Supportive care is critical for survival, though complications like laminitis can occur.