Clinical Data Suggested Proliferative Enteropathy-Free Horses in Saudi Arabia

Proliferative enteropathy (PE) is a recently described disease of horses that is characterized by signs of elevated body temperature, weight loss, diarrhea and death. This disease is caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. The goal of this study was to determine if horses in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were clinically affected with L. intracellularis. Total of 246 foals less than two years old were examined. The foals were observed for signs of proliferative enteropathy such as colic, diarrhea, emaciation and edema in the lower parts of the body leading to death. Results recorded 10 foals; with signs of colic (2 foals) and emaciation (8 foals) however none of the animals was reported to die through one year follow up. Further parasitic testing detected Parascaris equorum, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi and Strongyle infection in these horses. Chemistry profile showed that foals total protein and albumin were within the normal limits. These findings suggest that horses in Saudi Arabia remain proliferative enteropathy free however specific testing including PCR and serology are recommended.