Colitis X (so-called due to its unknown aetiology) is a peracute and highly fatal disease of horses. Is characterised by severe colitis, sudden watery diarrhoea and death within 24 hours. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, stress and transport. [[Clostridium perfringens type A|''Clostridium perfringens'' Type A]] has been hypothesised to be a cause of Colitis x, and high-protein, low-cellulose diets or antimicrobial treatment may predispose to Clostridial overgrowth. Recently a link has been demonstrated with the current human epidemic strain of ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'' (ribotype 027/toxinotype III) clostridial enterocolitis. | Colitis X (so-called due to its unknown aetiology) is a peracute and highly fatal disease of horses. Is characterised by severe colitis, sudden watery diarrhoea and death within 24 hours. A number of possible underlying causes have been described, including drug or parasite hypersensitivity, stress and transport. [[Clostridium perfringens type A|''Clostridium perfringens'' Type A]] has been hypothesised to be a cause of Colitis x, and high-protein, low-cellulose diets or antimicrobial treatment may predispose to Clostridial overgrowth. Recently a link has been demonstrated with the current human epidemic strain of ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'' (ribotype 027/toxinotype III) clostridial enterocolitis. |