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==Description==
==Description==
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 has been hypothesised to be a cause of Colitis x, and high-protein, low-cellulose diets or antimicrobial treatment may predispose to Clostridial mulitplication. Recently a link has been demonstrated with the current human epidemic strain of ''Clostridum 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 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 ''Clostridum difficile'' (ribotype 027/toxinotype III) clostridial enterocolitis.
* 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. Acute salmonellosis, grass sickness, acute small intestinal obstructions and intestinal thromboembolic infarctions are other differentials that must be considered.
The clinical signs are similar to those described for other forms of acute- peracute colitis, particularly acute salmonellosis. Rectal examination may often be normal. Other diagnoses that must be considered include grass sickness, acute small intestinal obstructions and intestinal thromboembolic infarctions.
==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
Colitis x is a diagnosis made by 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.
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.