Clinical characterization of equine endotoxemia

Abstract

Endotoxemia is the presence of bacterial endotoxins in the blood and is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory response of the host. The presence of circulating Enterobacteria confined or localized in an infectious process release endotoxin molecules as a product of bacterial death. Its clinical manifestations are associated with complications of many septic and non-septic processes that affect horses and include: diarrhea, enterogastric reflux, fever, anorexia, depression, muscle twitching, hyperemia of the mucous membranes/purple mucosal membranes/dark toxic line (endotoxic ring), delayed capillary refill time, jaundice, dyspnoea, polypnoea, profuse sweating, colic, laminitis (severe) infosura, depression and multi-organ failure. Its diagnosis is established by the clinical history and symptoms, and clinical quantification of endotoxins in plasma, complete blood count (leukopenia-neutropenia) and serum biochemical profile. The treatment consist in reversing the endotoxins effects before the dynamic inflammatory response develops. This implies inhibition of the endotoxins release into the circulation, electrolytes support therap, general, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic treatment, and intensive care nursing.