Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hemorrhagic necrotizing enterocolitis associated with Clostridium difficile infection in four foals.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1988
- Authors:
- Jones, R L et al.
- Affiliation:
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Four young horses, known as foals, sadly died from a serious condition called hemorrhagic necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a severe inflammation and death of the intestinal tissue. Tests showed that they all had an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which can produce toxins that harm the intestines. This discovery suggests that C. difficile should be considered as a possible cause when veterinarians are looking at foals with similar intestinal issues. To confirm this type of infection, a detailed examination is necessary to identify the bacteria and its harmful effects. Unfortunately, the outcome for these foals was fatal.
Abstract
Severe hemorrhagic necrotizing enterocolitis was determined to be the cause of death for 4 foals. Toxigenic Clostridium difficile was isolated form the intestine of each foal, and large, gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria lined the surface of necrotic villi. This finding of toxigenic C difficile associated with enteritis in foals adds another possible cause to the list of infectious agents that should be considered when evaluating foals with enteritis. Definitive diagnosis requires a thorough diagnostic evaluation, including procedures that will identify the organism and demonstrate its toxigenicity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3262102/