Less Common
Rare
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Salmonella Colitis (in Growing Foal or Adult)
Synonyms: Paratyphoid, Non-typhoidal Salmonellosis
Summary
Salmonella is the most common cause of bacterial colitis in the horse. It causes severe, usually foul smelling diarrhea, life threatening dehydration, endotoxemia, and shock.
It is a common cause of hospital borne infection. In past years, Salmonella outbreaks have forced many large private and veterinary school hospitals to close and institute quarantine and bio-security protocols.
It is a common cause of hospital borne infection. In past years, Salmonella outbreaks have forced many large private and veterinary school hospitals to close and institute quarantine and bio-security protocols.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
-
IV Fluids & Intensive Care (in Adult)
-
Isolation, ISO, Quarantine
-
Supportive Nursing Care
-
Plasma, Normal & Hyperimmune (in Adult)
-
Flunixin Meglumine (Banamine®)
-
NSAIDs, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories, Generally
-
Foal or Newborn, Plasma
-
Anti-Endotoxin Therapy
-
Bio-Sponge, Smectite
-
Intestinal Protectants
-
Foal or Newborn, Intensive Care
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Guarded, even with aggressive treatment.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
-
Depressed, Dull, Sick or Lethargic
-
Not Eating, Loss of Appetite, Not Hungry
-
Heart Rate, Pulse Rapid, Greater than 48 BPM at Rest (in Adult)
-
Fever, Rectal Temperature Greater than 101.5 (in Adult)
-
Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
-
Shock, Ears & Limbs Seem Cold, Pulse is Weak & Rapid
-
Gums have Dark Red Line above Teeth
-
Capillary Refill Time (CRT) Prolonged
-
Manure is Watery, Diarrhea (in Adult)
-
Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Dark
-
Appears Dehydrated
-
Skin Pinch or Tent at Shoulder Prolonged
-
Heat in Hoof Walls, Foot or Feet
-
Digital Pulse Can Be Felt in Foot
-
Hesitant to Walk on Hard Surfaces
-
Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Red
-
Seems Sore in Feet, Especially on Hard Ground or Gravel
Less Common
-
Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Blue or Purple
-
Lameness, Generally
-
Lameness, Recent Front Limb
-
Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
-
Playing in Water Excessively Without Drinking
-
Swelling of Multiple Lower Limbs or Legs
-
Mare Not Eating or Depressed, Soon after Foaling
-
Growing Foal, Poor Growth & Condition
-
Saw-Horse Stance, Hind Limbs Under & Front Limbs Forward
Rare
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Are my other horses at risk?
Prevention
Maintain good general health and immunity. Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET