Granulomatous enteritis in a thoroughbred horse

Authors: Allen JR, Hodgson DR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 30, Issue 11, pp 180-182, Nov 1982
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Horse, Livestock
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Inflammation, Disease/defect, Pathology
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: A case of granulomatous enteritis in a three-year-old thoroughbred horse is described. Onset of clinical signs succeeded pyrexia of unknown aetiology. The horse was emaciated, depressed and inappetent but diarrhoea was not a feature of the condition. There was hypoproteinaemia, anaemia, leucopaenia and abnormal small-intestinal carbohydrate absorption. Rectal biopsy revealed granulomatous changes in the rectal mucosa. As a result of these findings, euthanasia was performed and an autopsy was carried out. Histopathology showed marked villous atrophy in the small intestine with a diffuse mononuclear cellular infiltration involving mainly the submucosa and lamina propria. There were occasional granulomatous foci. The mononuclear cells consisted mainly of lymphocytes and histiocytes. No aetiological agent was isolated.

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