A newborn Standardbred foal in MRC d’Arthabaska, Quebec, recently tested positive for clostridial enteritis after developing hemorrhagic diarrhea. No quarantine has been implemented. 

EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.

About Clostridial Enteritis

Clostridial enteritis is caused by the bacteria Clostridium spp. Clostridial bacteria are present in the environment and in feces. In adult horses, clostridial diarrhea has been associated with the administration of antibiotics, feed changes, and transportation, but it can occur without any identifiable risk factors. The disease is spread by fecal contamination from an infected horse.

Clinical signs of clostridial enteritis include:

• Diarrhea, which is often hemorrhagic or dark and foul-smelling 
• Colic 
• Fever 
• Reduced appetite or inappetence 
• Septic shock 
• Sudden death 

Diagnostic techniques include PCR or ELISA to identify the Clostridium toxin in the horse’s feces. Treatment involves supportive care.