Progressive lymphocytic-plasmocytic enteritis in a horse.

14-year old Polish half bred mare, with a three months history of weight loss and recurrent colic was referred to the clinic. A series of diagnostic tests were performed, including glucose absorption test, abdominal ultrasound examination, abdominocentesis, endoscopy with duodenum biopsy and a rectal biopsy. Complete examination revealed a moderate inflammatory infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells in the lamina propria in large intestine and peritonitis. The horse was treated with dexamethasone, anthelmintics and a proper diet. The mare initially responded well to the medication course. Clinical signs of colic reappeared during treatment, and there was no response to analgesic and antispasmodic drugs. The owner elected euthanasia. Histopathology at necropsy confirmed progression of lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis in all parts of intestine. In the presented horse, there was an exacerbation of the disease after arrival at the Clinic, which may be associated with the development of the disease or its earlier asymptomatic advance. Due to the diagnostic difficulties associated with this condition, it may be undiagnosed in a large number of horses suffering from recurrent colic and weight loss. The exact cause and predisposition to develop IBD is not diagnosed in all horses. Further studies are needed to enable early diagnosis and the introduction of an effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]