Esophago-gastroduodenal ulceration complicated by duodenal perforation in a three year old Thoroughbred colt: a case report

A three year old Thoroughbred colt was admitted to our clinic because of chronic inapetence, weight loss and exercise intolerance. Clinical examination, blood examination and endoscopy were carried out. The endoscopic appearance of the distal esophagus was characterized by extensive and severe ulceration. Gastroscopy revealed severe diffuse ulceration of the entire nonglandular mucosa. A diagnosis of esophago-gastric ulceration and delayed gastric emptying was made. Shortly after endoscopic examination the colt developed acute severe colic with profuse diarrhea and was euthanized. Necropsy and histopathology were performed. The most notable abnormalities were severe and extensive esophageal, gastric and duodenal ulcerations. One duodenal ulcer was perforated and acute septic peritonitis developed. The diagnosis was thus confirmed and extended - esophago-gastroduodenal ulceration with complication of duodenal perforation.