This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Diarrhea in Horses » Overview of Colitis in Foals »
  Discussion on Foal with colitis
Author Message
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 25, 2014 - 4:02 pm:

We have a 6 month old foal who had been weaned about 2 days when he started acting colicky (pawing, flagging tail, not interested in food) and developed a fever a couple of days ago. Took him to the vet. He was pooping pretty normally (maybe softer - like a cow paddy), not too often, but had a fever of 105. His protein level was normal. Ultrasound of his gut was pretty normal so they ultrasounded his lungs to R/O another infection. It was normal. Some blood value was off and made the vet think maybe he had early stage colitis. They gave him a "manure tea" from his mom, pepto bismol, banamine, and plasma IV. He started acting normal within a few hours and never developed diarrhea. His temp has been normal. We plan to pick him up this afternoon or tomorrow morning. What are the long term effects of an early stage colitis? Could this be related to stress associated with weaning? He was the last one weaned because he was so upset about separation even done gradually. Interestingly, he was actually calm the day before he developed this. He has been fine at the vets, acting normal. They have him in isolation, so he can't see any other horses. I don't think they believe he is contagious at all at this point. I think it was just a cautionary measure. Anyway, long term outlook? Can stress cause this?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 25, 2014 - 8:22 pm:

Hello Judy,
No long term downsides to a low grade, short term colitis and yes colitis might be cause by stress.
DrO
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2014 - 9:56 am:

Thanks for the quick reply. You are appreciated!
Judy
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2014 - 4:46 pm:

Another question. The colt is home but is very lethargic. He is on Metronidazole 3 X day. We crush up the tablets and mix with water and put in his mouth. Since coming home yesterday he didn't really seem interested in his food, his stools have been very dry even though he is drinking water. He has no fever. He walks where he wants to go, but slowly. This is concerning, because he is a frisky colt. We called the vet and they said to stop the probiotic we were giving him - that that might be causing the apparent constipation - and give him 3 CC of Banamine. The Banamine really didn't seem to perk him up. He doesn't act in pain, no pawing, flagging of tail, rolling, etc. He just looks lethargic and depressed.

After reading your article on Metronidazole related to use in dogs, the first two side effects jumped out: weakness and lethargy. Another side effect mentioned is anorexia. I am wondering if we are seeing these in this colt.

We soaked some alfalfa cubes and Timothy pellets in water mixed with a little of his grain and skipped the mid-day dose of the Metronidazole. Put him in a small paddock separated from his friends so he could eat in peace if he wanted to and we could monitor his stools. He ate about half of it. At the most recent meal time he walked up to the bucket (didn't trot which he usually does) and ate with more vigor than he has since he has been home. Walter just checked and he ate all of it and is snarfing down hay. His affect is better too, ears forward, etc.

Have you ever seen similar symptoms in colts on Metronidazole? He is 400 - 450 lbs and the prescribed dose is 5 500 (I think mg) tablets 3 X day. We are thinking about giving the 10PM dose, but will contact the vet again in the morning if he refuses to eat and just stands around after getting it. Maybe they can switch to something else. Just worried about it. Hopefully it isn't something more serious. :-( Thoughts?
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Thursday, Nov 27, 2014 - 10:00 pm:

8:30 PM follow-up - Alert, nosing pockets for treats, very hungry. Nipping filly in his paddock, acting MUCH more normal. We did just put his evening med in his feed. If he becomes depressed and lethargic again we will call the vet in the morning and try to get the med changed. I not sure they ever identified any pathogen.... If the whole episode was stress related, I wonder if an antibiotic is mandatory.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2014 - 10:48 am:

Hello Judy,
The anorexia associated with metronidazole is largely attributable to the horrible taste the more common forms have. Arguments are made both ways on whether colitis is better treated with antimicrobials, If I am looking at a fever present I use antibiotics and once started the whole course should be given.
DrO
Member:
judyhens

Posted on Monday, Dec 1, 2014 - 12:01 pm:

Well, once we skipped one dose and he started eating again, we restarted the next dose on a full stomach. He has continued to eat normally. We are almost through with the meds! He never developed any diarrhea at all. Happy colt again.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC