Page 755 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

blood and a protein called albumin are lost from the circulation into the lumen of the bowel.

This disease can occur concurrently with gastric ulceration.
VetBooks.ir Causes

The disease is associated with:

• Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. phenylbutazone, flunixin
meglumine

• Stress, e.g. intense exercise, travelling

Clinical signs

These are often vague and intermittent. They include:

• Colic, which may be mild and intermittent in chronic cases or severe in acute cases
• Diarrhoea

• Loss of appetite

• Depression

• Fever

• Dull, rough coat
• Lethargy

• Reduced performance

• Weight loss

• Ventral oedema (collection of fluid under the belly)

Behavioural signs thought to be associated with this condition include dislike of the right side
of the abdomen being touched, e.g. from grooming, rugging or leg aids and general

grumpiness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the:
• History of NSAID use and clinical signs.

• Ultrasonography of the abdomen, which is likely to show a thickened and oedematous

right dorsal colon wall.
• Blood tests may show anaemia and low total protein and albumin levels.