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* 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, therefore a number of differential diagnoses may need to be considered.
The clinical signs are similar to those described for other forms of acute- peracute colitis. Acute salmonellosis, grass sickness, acute small intestinal obstructions and intestinal thromboembolic infarctions are other differentials that must be considered.
==Diagnosis and Pathology==
==Diagnosis and Pathology==
The above examination findings combined with an increased plasma urea concentration (greater than 10 mmol/l), increased PCV (greater than 65
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 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.
Treatment is often unsuccessful and horses may often require euthanasia. Treatment methods previously reported include aggressive fluid therapy with electrolyte replacement, antibiotics and analgesics. Pain is often severe in colitis x and potent analgesics such as flunixin meglumine are required. The administration of sodium benzyl penicillin may be beneficial as ''Clostridium'' spp are sensitive to this type of antibiotic.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==