Equine Proliferative Enteropathy in Weanling Foals on A German Breeding Farm: Clinical Course, Treatment and Long-Term Outcome.
Authors: Dohrmann Jil, Hildebrand Franziska, Straub Janine, Wadephul Rica, Pusterla Nicola, Freise Fritjof, Venner Monica
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Equine Proliferative Enteropathy in Weanling Foals: Clinical Management and Long-Term Outcomes Between September 2019 and January 2020, a German Warmblood breeding farm experienced an outbreak of suspected equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) caused by *Lawsonia intracellularis*, affecting 40 weanlings aged 5–10 months; the authors conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical presentation, treatment protocols and long-term prognosis in these cases, with follow-up assessment approximately nine months post-diagnosis. Fever emerged as the predominant clinical sign, whilst hypoproteinaemia was demonstrated consistently across all affected foals; serological testing confirmed seroconversion in every case, though faecal shedding of the causative organism was detected via qualitative polymerase chain reaction in only 21 foals. Treatment centred on tetracycline antibiotics combined with intravenous equine plasma administration, resulting in survival of 39 of 40 foals with no observable long-term sequelae such as poor body condition or persistent haematological abnormalities at nine-month follow-up. These findings indicate that EPE carries a favourable prognosis in Warmblood foals when identified and treated promptly, with early intervention preventing chronic complications—information that should reassure practitioners managing suspected cases and emphasise the value of aggressive early supportive therapy in acute presentations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Early diagnosis and treatment of EPE with tetracyclines and IV plasma support yields excellent survival rates (97.5%) with no long-term sequelae in weanlings
- •Monitor weanlings for fever and conduct serum protein assessment; seroconversion is reliable for diagnosis even when fecal shedding is negative
- •EPE can be managed on-farm with appropriate antimicrobial and supportive therapy, with good prognosis for long-term performance and body condition
Key Findings
- •40 weanling foals (5-10 months old) diagnosed with suspected EPE on a single German breeding farm between September 2019 and January 2020
- •Fever was the most common clinical sign and hypoproteinemia was detected in all cases
- •Seroconversion occurred in all affected horses, but fecal shedding of Lawsonia intracellularis was only detected in 21 of 40 cases
- •39 of 40 foals survived EPE with tetracycline and equine plasma IV treatment, with no long-term effects observed at nine-month follow-up