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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in 5 weanling foals.

Journal:
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
Year:
2013
Authors:
Arroyo, Luis G et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Studies (Arroyo · Canada
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

This report talks about five young foals, specifically Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, who sadly died from a serious intestinal disease caused by a bacteria called Lawsonia intracellularis. This condition leads to severe inflammation and bleeding in the intestines, similar to what can happen in pigs. Two of the foals also had a severe inflammation of the intestines due to a large number of encysted parasites. The report highlights the difficulties in diagnosing and treating these cases, as well as the possible complications that can arise. Unfortunately, the outcome for these foals was fatal.

Abstract

This report describes 5 cases of fatal Lawsonia intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis in weanling Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals. The lesions are similar to those of the L. intracellularis-associated ulcerative and necro-hemorrhagic enteritis syndrome in pigs. Two foals had concurrent severe typhlo-colitis as a result of a large burden of encysted cyathostomes. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges, and the potential complications encountered during the management of such cases are discussed.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24155489/