COLITIS X 
by Colleen Viljoen

I write this article for the interest of other horse owners to read and learn about this rare fatal condition, which I have just experienced with my 3 year old, Warmblood filly, and detail the process on treatment and attention.  Having been briefed by the Vet and read up the details on the Internet, things looked extremely bleak!!  Clinical reports of Colitis X only found in Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

This fatal disease of horses is characterized by sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhea, and development of hypovolemic shock.  The cause of Colitis X is unknown.  Clinically, there may be a short febrile period, but body temperature soon returns to normal or subnormal, and marked depression is present.

An explosive diarrhea develops, followed by extreme dehydration.  Death may occur within 3 hours of onset of clinical signs.  In less acute cases, death occurs within 24 – 48 hours.  Edema and hemorrhage in the wall of the large colon and cecum are pronounced, and the intestinal contents are fluid and often blood-stained.

Surviving horses usually develop chronic laminitis, and are euthanased.  Most develop jugular vein thrombosis.

The mortality rate of Colitis X approaches 100%!!

“Midnight” began with an impaction colic on day one, following treatment by the vet, by end day three she came home.  That afternoon, she had a temperature of 40,5.  The impaction was back, but had moved forward.  After two days the temperature dropped.  Day five, the diarrhea started and she was placed on a drip for three days with antibiotics.  During this time the vein in her neck collapsed, the drip was then placed in her leg, same occurred.  The drip was transferred to her other front leg……that too collapsed!  The final vein left in her neck was vital.  Not much more could be done.

On day eight, I asked the Vet if I could attempt Holistic treatment from Dr Jenty Webster, and EquiBenefit rented me a Bemer 3000 Vet blanket.  I administered the oral medication every half an hour, day and night, and did the Bemer prescribed treatment every three hours, along with oral antibiotics.  Within 12 hours the diarrhea changed to normal droppings.  We continued with the treatment and then day ten a pulse was notable in her front legs, an indication of the onset of Laminitis, to which her feet were strapped in polystyrene “shoes!”   Dr Webster mixed another holistic mix for laminitis, and we still continued with the Bemer blanket every three hours.  She then came home on day 12, still continuing with the antibiotics, bute and holistic medicines orally.  Day 13, there was no pulse in the feet!

From day 14, intermittent  temperatures, and an occasional pulse in the legs have occurred, with massive swellings around the jugular and into the head and eyes.  Day 22 was the last of the use of the oral antibiotics, and we continue with the Bemer and holistic medication five times a day.  Day 24, a very weak Midnight, walked from her stable to the front lawn to graze!  We hope to be able to start her on small concentrates in about two weeks time.

 My heart full thanks to Northrand Animal Clinic, Dr Mike Ross, Dr Mike Last and especially Dr Edward Evans, to Dr Jenty Webster and to EquiBenefit, Mrs Penny Jaquet, for their dedication, patience and support.  Doctors have called Midnight an absolute miracle.