Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Horses

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vanrim

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Has anyone's horse been diagnosed with this. What were the horse's symptoms. How was it diagnosed. What was the treatment?
 
My friends dressage horse was recently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, following ulcer treatment he was still proving difficult, unrideable and kicking out, he was taken in for testing, they rescoped which was due anyway then ultrasound scanned his abdomen also taking a few biopsies for testing as his bowel walls were extremely thickened, this was all done in a couple of hours while she stayed with him.
He has been treated with oral steroids, for about 1 month on high dose then gradually reduced, along with some dietary changes, the biopsies proved to be clear, he went back to be scanned again and the improvement has been remarkable, now back in work and should be going to the BD winters, something which a few months ago was thought to be highly unlikely.
 
Mine had protein losing enteropathy. He had the most horrific diarrhoea. You couldn't miss it. Treated with antibiotics & steroids. Diagnosed by blood tests & scans - had thickened intestines. Sadly I lost him.

T x
 
Catembi. Thank you for taking the time to post. I am really sorry you lost your horse, it must have been heartbreaking for you. I am trying to arrange for mine to have an ultrasound of his colon at the moment. Fortunately blood tests haven't indicated anything lifethreatening.

catembi said:
Mine had protein losing enteropathy. He had the most horrific diarrhoea. You couldn't miss it. Treated with antibiotics & steroids. Diagnosed by blood tests & scans - had thickened intestines. Sadly I lost him.

T x
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Be Posistive - Thank you for taking the time to post. Mine are dressage horses and have just been scoped clear of grade iv pyloric ulcers but are no different. They will not go into trot and the gelding kicks out if you touch his flanks - I had to give him Sedalin just so the farrier could do his back feet without getting kicked. I am trying to arrange for them to go back to Leahurst Equine Hospital for an ultrasound and biopsy if necessary. I have always suspected that both of mine might need steroids before they are right. Am am pleased that your friend had a good outcome - it has given me a bit of hope that I might one day actually be able to ride again! I believe my horses problems started with contaminated feed. Can I ask which hospital treated your friend's horse?

be positive said:
My friends dressage horse was recently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, following ulcer treatment he was still proving difficult, unrideable and kicking out, he was taken in for testing, they rescoped which was due anyway then ultrasound scanned his abdomen also taking a few biopsies for testing as his bowel walls were extremely thickened, this was all done in a couple of hours while she stayed with him.
He has been treated with oral steroids, for about 1 month on high dose then gradually reduced, along with some dietary changes, the biopsies proved to be clear, he went back to be scanned again and the improvement has been remarkable, now back in work and should be going to the BD winters, something which a few months ago was thought to be highly unlikely.
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I had a welsh x arab mare who developed this following a spell of laminitis where the vet severely restricted her diet. The signs she showed were classic colic symtoms and she also had a few bad colic episodes as well. She was taking into the hospital and opened up to see if they could find out all what was going on but nothing was found. I can't remember the name of the medication but I could find out for you. Sadly we lost her following a bad colic.
 
I have not seen the horse for some time but the behaviour sounds similar, I think his ulcers were grade 2, bloods showed some minor inflammation and a little liver damage but not enough to be of concern, he went to Bushy Equine for the most recent treatment/ tests as it is nearby, although the vet originally involved wanted to send him to Newmarket, the owner decided that was such a long journey, would have meant several days staying and probably a huge bill, when the diagnosis was made so quickly they were proved right to stay local, he has responded so well they are really hopeful he is now at last sorted out.
 
I had a horse with ulcerative colitis which we managed to control for a while with codeine to control the scouring. This was pre the days of knowing about stomach ulcers and so on.
He took careful management but didn't show behavioural issues. Unfortunately he didn't make an old horse as it was very difficult to keep weight on him. I think nowadays there would have been better treatment.
 
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