Author/Authors :
Rothers, Kristina L. Department of Clinical Sciences - Colorado State University, USA , Hackett, Eileen S. Department of Clinical Sciences - Colorado State University, USA , Mason, Gary L. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory - Colorado State University, USA , Nelson, Brad B. Department of Clinical Sciences - Colorado State University, USA
Abstract :
A 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare was evaluated for colic of 24-hour duration. Clinical signs and diagnostic evaluation were
consistent with duodenitis-proximal jejunitis. The horse’s clinical condition deteriorated despite medical treatment and was
euthanized. Aerobic culture collected from small intestinal ingesta was positive for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar
Hadar. Salmonella sp. is commonly implicated in nosocomial infections in equine veterinary hospitals usually through feces
containing the organism. Considering Salmonella sp. was cultured from the jejunal luminal contents and the large volume of
nasogastric reflux that was evacuated in this case, a perceived risk of Salmonella sp. transmission from infected gastric reflux to
other hospitalized cases was realized. Infectious agent biosecurity precautions should be undertaken in horses with nasogastric
reflux to prevent hospital-acquired transmission.
