Changes

* Bowel sounds may be absent

* Bowel sounds may be absent

The clinical signs are similar to those described for other forms of acute- peracute colitis, particularly acute [[Salmonellosis|salmonellosis]]. [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|Rectal examination]] may often be normal. Other diagnoses that must be considered include [[Grass Sickness|grass sickness]], acute small intestinal obstructions and intestinal thromboembolic infarctions.  

The clinical signs are similar to those described for other forms of acute- peracute colitis, particularly [[Salmonellosis|salmonellosis]]. [[Rectal Examination of the Horse|Rectal examination]] may often be normal. Other diagnoses that must be considered include [[Grass Sickness|grass sickness]], acute small intestinal obstructions and intestinal thromboembolic infarctions.  

==Diagnosis and Pathology==

==Diagnosis and Pathology==

Colitis x is a diagnosis of exclusion. The above examination findings may be reported combined with an increased plasma urea concentration (greater than 10 mmol/l), increased PCV, leucopaenia, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia.  

Colitis x is a diagnosis of exclusion. The above examination findings may be reported combined with an increased plasma urea concentration (greater than 10 mmol/l), increased PCV, leucopaenia, metabolic acidosis, hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia.  

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. A green diphtheritic  

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. A green diphtheritic membrane may cover the mucosal surface.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]

[[Category:Horse]]

[[Category:Horse]] [[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Enteritis,_Bacterial]][[Category:Enteritis,_Fibrinous/Haemorrhagic]]

[[Category:Enteritis,_Bacterial]][[Category:Enteritis,_Fibrinous/Haemorrhagic]]