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==Description==
 
==Description==
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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.
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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.
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==Signalment==
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==Clinical Signs==
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* Abdominal pain
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* Acute onset watery to haemorrhagic diarrhoea
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* Tachycardia (Heart rate often greater than 100bpm)
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* Dehydration
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* Signs relating to hypovolaemic or endotoxic shock, e.g. congested mucous membranes, prolonged capillary refill time, cold extremities.
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* Dilated pupils
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* Collapse
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* Body temperature may vary from pyrexic to subnormal
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* Bowel sounds may be absent
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==Clinical Signs==
      
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
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Diagnosis is often based on the peracute nature of clinical signs.
    
==Pathology==
 
==Pathology==
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==Treatment==
 
==Treatment==
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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==
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The prognosis is usually poor, with a mortality rate approaching 90-100%.
    
==Prevention==
 
==Prevention==
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