Myenteric ganglionitis as a cause of recurrent colic in an adult horse.
METHODS
A 10-year-old Lipizzaner stallion was evaluated over the course of 1.5 years because of intermittent, recurrent colic.


RESULTS
The horse was initially treated medically for gastric ulcers; dietary changes were made, and a deworming protocol was instituted, without resolution of colic episodes. Subsequently, the horse underwent exploratory celiotomy and a large colon volvulus was identified with diffuse colonic wall thickening. A pelvic flexure biopsy sample was submitted for histologic examination, which revealed lymphocytic (CD3-positive T cells) myenteric ganglionitis (MG). The horse developed a cecal impaction after surgery, which did not resolve, despite aggressive medical management; subsequently a complete cecal bypass was performed. Cecal and colonic wall biopsy samples were evaluated histologically and confirmed the diagnosis of MG. After surgery, the horse developed a large colon impaction, which initially responded to aggressive medical treatment, and the horse was discharged.


RESULTS
Despite rigorous feed restrictions and prokinetic and corticosteroid treatment, the horse continued to have signs of colic and was euthanized 3 weeks after discharge from the hospital because of a recurrent large colon impaction. Intestinal biopsy samples obtained at the time of death revealed chronic changes in intramural ganglia consistent with generalized MG.


CONCLUSIONS
MG is a rare disease in horses, causing gastrointestinal motility dysfunction and signs of colic, which is challenging to diagnose and treat successfully. Further studies are needed to identify the etiology of this disease and to explore treatment options.
William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Karen R
KR
Blake
Verena K
VK
Affolter
Linda J
LJ
Lowenstine
Jose G
JG
Vilches-Moure
Sarah S
SS
le Jeune
D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000473:pathology*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D009197:Myenteric Plexus / Q000473:pathology*; D012008:Recurrence