Endotoxemia in Horses in Sri Lanka - Case Report

Abstract

Six thoroughbred horses (2 male and 4 female) aged 6 to 12 years from an upcountry stable were brought between June, 2011 to Jan 2012, to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) with signs of mild to moderate abdominal colic. On arrival, the animals were pyrexic (36.61 °C to 39 °C), tachycardiac (72/min to 100/min), tachypnoeic (15/min to 60/min) and the mucous membranes were muddy coloured. The capillary refilling time was more than 2 seconds. The  treatment protocol consisted of vigorous fluid  therapy (0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution and  5% glucose solution), gastric decompression  using a stomach tube, and administration of  Flunixin meglumine (1.1mg/kg, IV), Penicillin  and Streptomycin (20/20LA, 20ml, IM) and in  03 cases ceftriaxone® (50 mg/kg IV, bid). The haematology in all cases revealed haemoconcentration with an increased packed cell volume and elevated serum protein. There was also a neutrophilic leucocytosis with a left shift.  Despite treatments, 4 of 6 animals succumbed soon after arrival and necropsies revealed a frothy secretion in the trachea and bronchi, pulmonary emphysema and diffuse ecchymotic haemorrhages in lungs. There were subepicardial and subendocardial petechiation. The stomach contents were red and watery. There was hepato-splenic congestion, hyperaemia of the small intestines and diffused red, discoloration of the mucosa of the caecum and ascending colon. Histopathology of the intestines revealed diapedesis and denuded epithelial surfaces.  Hepatic venous congestion with leukocytes infiltration confirmed moderate hepatitis. Pure colonies of non-haemolytic strains of E. coli were isolated from the heart blood in two cases.  These clinical and post mortem findings were consistent with acute severe typhylocolitis with consequent endotoxemia. A diet high in concentrates and low in fiber was thought to have precipitated the condition. As a preventative measure, a dietary change with ad libitum good quality hay/grass with reduced concentrates was recommended.