Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Segmental eosinophilic colitis: a review of 22 cases.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
- Year:
- 2000
- Authors:
- Edwards, G B et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, 22 horses with colic (abdominal pain) were treated at the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital between 1992 and 1998. During surgery, they found a partial blockage in the large intestine caused by a specific type of inflammation in the colon. The horses showed signs of serious swelling and damage in the affected area, which led to surgery for 16 of them to remove part of the colon. After examining the tissue, they found significant damage and a large number of certain white blood cells called eosinophils, which are often involved in allergic reactions or inflammation. Out of the 18 horses that were sent home after surgery, 16 were alive and doing well 3 months to 7 years later, while 2 horses had to be euthanized due to a return of colic, although no further examination was done on them.
Abstract
Twenty-two horses with colic, referred to the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital (1992-1998), were found at laparotomy to have a partial obstruction of the large colon caused by a segmental mural lesion located in the left dorsal colon. The decision to take the horses to surgery was based on rectal examination findings of secondary impaction and mural oedema of the large colon and turbid peritoneal fluid containing large numbers of neutrophils obtained by paracentesis. The affected segment of colon showed oedema and serosal changes varying from erythema to well-defined necrosis. These pathological changes were considered to be sufficiently severe in 16 horses to merit partial resection of the left colon. Histology revealed varying degrees of mucosal necrosis, marked submucosal oedema and infiltration with large numbers of eosinophilic leucocytes. No cause was identified for the lesions. Sixteen of the 18 horses discharged from the hospital were alive 3 months to 7 years after surgery and have returned to their previous type of work and level of performance. The remaining 2 horses were subjected to euthanasia because of a recurrence of colic but no autopsy was performed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11202392/