Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Intestinal spirochetosis in a 21-month-old thoroughbred colt.
- Journal:
- The Journal of veterinary medical science
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Shibahara, Tomoyuki et al.
- Affiliation:
- National Institute of Animal Health · Japan
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 21-month-old Thoroughbred colt had ongoing diarrhea and was not growing properly for about seven months. Unfortunately, the colt was euthanized so that a thorough examination could be done after its condition did not improve. The examination revealed that the lining of the intestines was rough and inflamed, and there were many immune cells present, indicating an infection. Researchers found a type of bacteria called spirochetes in the intestines, which likely contributed to the colt's severe diarrhea and intestinal inflammation. The treatment did not work, leading to the decision for euthanasia.
Abstract
A 21-month-old Thoroughbred colt showed continuous diarrhea and developmental retardation for 7 months, and was thereafter subjected to euthanasia for necropsy and laboratory examinations. At necropsy, the cecal and colonic mucosae were diffusely rough and hyperemic. Histopathologically, the mucosa and submucosa were edematous and were infiltrated by numerous lymphocytes and macrophages. Meanwhile, three morphological types of Brachyspira antigen-containing spirochetes were found to be numerous in the crypts and in the mucus layer over the epithelium in the cecal and colonic lesions. They were frequently observed in intercellular gaps and in the cytoplasm of degenerative epithelial cells, and in the lamina propria, particularly in cavities around blood vessels. These invasive intestinal spirochetes might be one of pathogens inducing colitis and diarrhea in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12185321/