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Discussion on Post colitis treatment
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New Member:
kaylypso
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011 - 7:01 pm:
Hello to all,
My 16 year old Arab/Appy gelding exhibited symptoms that led to our admission to state vet hospital (fever, elevated heart rate, depressed attitude, quiet gut sounds) Upon ultrasound, colitis was diagnosed, followed by 7 days treatment with fluids, calcium supplements, gastrogard, some pain meds), and when all parameters returned to normal, he was released.
He only had a two day bout with diarrhea on days 4 and 5, then manure returned to normal.
Since his return home, his manure was normal for two days, then began to appear as 1 = 3 larger masses of poop, with the individual "horse apples" together in a large clump. It is slightly softer than his normal poop, but he has never had this large pile formation before.
He is eating, drinking, bright eyed, and happy. Should I worry about the appearance of the poop? He also does have loud gut sounds occasionally from his upper right quadrant.
What do you think? Any advice appreciated.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2011 - 7:31 am:
Welcome Debra,
Was a cause of the colitis every diagnosed, how long has it been since your horse returned home, and are there other horses at home?
DrO
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New Member:
kaylypso
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Posted on Friday, Feb 25, 2011 - 8:04 am:
Hello, Dr. O,
No cause was identified, the vet did not recommend a culture on the fluid in the colon as she said in about 85% of the cases it cannot be pinpointed. He is an only horse.
He has now been home about three and a half weeks. I called the treatment vet after ten days of the large poops, and she said it sometimes takes several weeks for the gut to return to normal, but did not explain what would cause this or what it might mean.
The masses are somewhat soft, now looking like two or three main clumps, with identifiable smaller fecal balls incorporated.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 - 8:38 pm:
Well that is certainly true, the bowel takes time to recover. I was concerned that there may be a risk to the others if it is Salmonella, but frankly every colitis I can remember was not a contagious problem. Be patient, feed your horse consistently, don't make any remarkable changes and the bowel is likely to straighten out.
DrO
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