2020 journal article

Geographic Disparities in Clinical Characteristics of Duodenitis–Proximal Jejunitis in Horses in the United States

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 93, 103192.

By: S. Steward*, D. Hassel*, H. Martin*, C. Doddman*, A. Stewart*, E. Elzer*, L. Southwood*

author keywords: Gastrointestinal; Small intestine; Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis; Colic
MeSH headings : Animals; Case-Control Studies; Duodenitis / epidemiology; Duodenitis / veterinary; Horse Diseases / epidemiology; Horses; Jejunal Diseases / veterinary; Prospective Studies; Southeastern United States; United States / epidemiology
TL;DR: Differences in clinical parameters of horses with DPJ between geographic regions were identified to corroborate anecdotal reports and support theories of differing etiologies and identify risk factors contributing toward regional differences in this disease. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Source: ORCID
Added: July 16, 2020

Duodenitis–proximal jejunitis (DPJ) is an idiopathic and potentially fatal disease of horses characterized by abdominal pain, proximal intestinal inflammation, and subsequent gastric and small intestinal fluid accumulation. Although this disease is known to be costly and life threatening in the equine industry, the severity of clinical signs can vary widely, and an exact etiology has yet to be elucidated. This study looked to identify differences in clinical parameters of horses with DPJ between geographic regions in an effort to corroborate anecdotal reports and support theories of differing etiologies. Case records were compared from veterinary academic referral hospitals in three different geographic locations in the United States to determine if significant differences in clinical, clinicopathologic, and prognostic characteristics exist among horses with DPJ. Clinical measurements on presentation that were significantly different between regions included heart rate, peritoneal total protein, albumin, anion gap, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sodium, chloride, potassium, and creatinine. Duration of hospitalization and maximum body temperature while hospitalized were also different between regions. There were no significant differences in peritoneal cell count, total white blood cell count, neutrophil count, band neutrophils, calcium, total plasma protein, temperature on presentation, duration of reflux, total reflux volume, or age between hospitals. The mortality rates between hospitals were not significantly different. Increased severity of clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities were identified in the Southeastern United States hospital compared with the Northeastern and Western hospitals. A prospective, multicenter case–control study could identify risk factors contributing toward regional differences in this disease in the future.