Retrospective Evaluation of the Most Frequently Observed Histological Changes in Duodenal and Rectal Mucosal Biopsies in Horses with Recurrent Colic.
Authors: Siwińska Natalia, Żak-Bochenek Agnieszka, Paszkowska Marzena, Karczewski Maciej, Długopolska Dorota, Haider Wolfram
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Recurrent colic in horses often stems from chronic inflammatory processes rather than acute obstructive episodes, yet the underlying mucosal pathology remains poorly characterised in clinical practice. Researchers examined duodenal biopsies from 60 horses and rectal biopsies from 17 horses presenting with recurrent colic, using standard histological staining to evaluate epithelial integrity, lamina propria, and submucosal tissues. All duodenal and rectal samples demonstrated leukocyte infiltration in the lamina propria, with moderate lymphocytic and plasma cell infiltration predominating in the duodenum, whilst rectal tissue showed mixed inflammatory populations including eosinophils and Mott cells; critically, over 25% of affected horses exhibited villous atrophy, which directly compromises nutrient absorption and intestinal motility. These findings suggest that chronic mucosal inflammation represents both a driver and consequence of recurrent colic episodes, implying that management strategies targeting intestinal health—including dietary modification, targeted supplementation to support mucosal integrity, and investigation of underlying inflammatory triggers—may prove beneficial alongside conventional colic protocols. Understanding this histopathological signature could help practitioners distinguish genuinely recurrent colic cases from functional pain and guide more evidence-based treatment selection.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Recurrent colic in horses is frequently associated with chronic mucosal inflammation rather than acute mechanical obstruction, suggesting investigation of underlying inflammatory conditions in repeat colic cases
- •Biopsy findings support nutritional and management interventions targeting intestinal health and reducing inflammatory triggers in horses with recurrent colic episodes
- •Shortened villi observed in >25% of cases may compromise nutrient absorption and intestinal barrier function, warranting dietary support and consideration of mucosal healing protocols
Key Findings
- •All 77 horses with recurrent colic showed leukocyte infiltration in the mucosal lamina propria of duodenal and rectal biopsies
- •Moderate lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration was most common in duodenum; mixed infiltration of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils predominated in rectum
- •More than one-fourth (>25%) of horses demonstrated shortened intestinal villi on histological examination
- •Chronic inflammatory changes were identified as both a potential cause and consequence of recurrent colic through impaired motility, absorption, obstruction, or ischemia