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==Description==
==Description==
Colitis X (so-called due to its unknown aetiology) is a peracute and highly fatal disease of horses. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, salmonellosis, high-protein low-cellulose diets and clostridial enterocolitis.
Colitis X (so-called due to its unknown aetiology) is a peracute and highly fatal disease of horses. Is characterised by severe oedematous colitis, sudden watery diarrhea and death within 24 hours. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, salmonellosis, high-protein low-cellulose diets and clostridial enterocolitis. Stress has been reported as a predisposing factor to colitis X.
==Signalment==
==Clinical Signs==
* Abdominal pain
* Acute onset watery to haemorrhagic diarrhoea
* Tachycardia (Heart rate often greater than 100bpm)
* Dehydration
* Signs relating to hypovolaemic or endotoxic shock, e.g. congested mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, cold extremities.
* Dilated pupils
* Collapse
* Body temperature may vary from pyrexic to subnormal
* Bowel sounds may be absent
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is often based on the peracute nature of clinical signs.
==Pathology==
==Pathology==
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment is often unsuccessful and horses may often require euthanasia. Treatment methods previously described include aggressive fluid therapy with electrolyte replacement, antibiotics and analgesics.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis is usually poor, with a mortality rate approaching 90-100%.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==