Eosinophilic enteritis presents in 2 main formseither acute, focal or chronic diffuse. In some cases there may be some overlap of these forms.
Inflammation and cell infiltration in the gut wall result in protein-losing enteropathy and SI malabsorption.
Eosinophil infiltration may be confined to the SI and other areas of the intestinal tract, and in horses with MEED may involve the skin, liver, pancreas, esophagus, oral cavity, lungs, and mesenteric lymph nodes.
Young horses (up to 4 years of age) are reported to be more commonly affected, as are Standardbred and Thoroughbred horses.
Other forms of nonstrangulating SI obstructions, e.g. ileal impaction, anterior enteritis.
CBC/Biochemistry/Urinalysis, Other Laboratory Tests
There are no key diagnostic tests characteristic of idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritisthese are largely dependent on duration of SI obstruction and degree of systemic compromise.
Abdominal ultrasonographytranscutaneous and per rectum. Identification of thickened SI wall (>35 mm thickness). Imaging of both sides of the abdomen to evaluate other areas of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.
Rule out other causes of weight loss/failure to gain weight/recurrent colic, e.g. diet, dental disease.
Dietary allergens have been proposed as a potential cause so dietary modification may be trialed. There is no evidence as to a specific diet that may be recommended. Oil may added to the dietadditional fat and calories.
Ongoing monitoring of clinical progress and assessment of weight gain/reduction in colic episodes.
Archer DC, , , et al. Obstruction of equine small intestine associated with focal idiopathic eosinophilic enteritis: an emerging disease? Vet J 2006;171:503512.
Archer DC, , . Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis (IFEE), an emerging cause of abdominal pain in horses: the effect of age, time and geographical location on risk. PLoS One 2014;9(12):e112072.
Kalck KA. Inflammatory bowel disease in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2009;25:303315.
Perez Olmos JF, , , et al. Circumferential mural bands in the small intestine causing simple obstructive colic: a case series. Equine Vet J 2006;38:354349.
Schumacher J, , . Chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases of the horse. J Vet Intern Med 2000;14:258265.
Southwood LL, , , et al. Idiopathic focal eosinophilic enteritis associated with small intestinal obstruction in 6 horses. Vet Surg 2000;29:415419.