Changes

==Description==

==Description==

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 diarrhoea and death within 24 hours. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, salmonellosis and high-protein low-cellulose diets. clostridial enterocolitis. Stress (such as surgery or transport) has been reported as a predisposing factor to colitis X.  

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 diarrhoea and death within 24 hours. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, salmonellosis and high-protein, low-cellulose diets. Recently a link has been demonstrated with the current human epidemic strain of ''C. difficile'' (ribotype 027/toxinotype III) clostridial enterocolitis. Stress (such as surgery or transport) has also been reported as a predisposing factor.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Colitis X affects adult horses, usually between one and ten years old.  

Colitis X affects adult horses, usually between one and ten years old.  

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

* Abdominal pain

* Abdominal pain

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis and Pathology==

Diagnosis is often made post-mortem, where a hyperaemic or oedematous caecum and ventral colon may be seen with necrosis of the intestinal in the later stages of the disease. Numerous gram negative bacteria may be identified in the mucosa and submucosa. The intestinal tract may be filled with a foul smelling and watery content. Macroscopic and microscopic findings include signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation and large numbers of bacteria in the devitalized parts of the intestine.

Diagnosis is often made post-mortem, where a hyperaemic or oedematous caecum and ventral colon may be seen with necrosis of the intestinal in the later stages of the disease. Numerous gram negative bacteria may be identified in the mucosa and submucosa. The intestinal tract may be filled with a foul smelling and watery content. Macroscopic and microscopic findings include signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation and large numbers of bacteria in the devitalized parts of the intestine.

 

==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.  

Treatment is often unsuccessful and horses may often require euthanasia. Treatment methods previously reported include aggressive fluid therapy with electrolyte replacement, antibiotics and analgesics. It is recommended that flunixin is used for both its analgesic and anti-endotoxic properties. 

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

The prognosis is usually poor, with a mortality rate approaching 90-100%.

The prognosis is usually poor, with a mortality rate approaching 90-100%.