Eosinophilic enteritis in a pony breed equine - case report

ABSTRACT Eosinophilic enteritis is a cause of recurrent colic and progressive weight loss, characterized by an infiltrate of inflammatory cells-primarily eosinophils-in the intestinal mucosa. The etiology is related to intestinal nematodes that trigger a hypersensitivity reaction, leading to focal and/or diffuse fibrosis, resulting in reduced lumen diameter and impaired motility. Diagnosis is based on information obtained from clinical history, including a record of multiple episodes of colic, as well as complementary tests such as transabdominal ultrasonography (to assess intestinal wall thickness). Definitive diagnosis is achieved through histopathological analysis. Treatment can be conservative, using steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or surgical, involving enterectomy of the affected segment followed by enteroanastomosis. This study aims to report a case of eosinophilic enteritis in a pony that underwent exploratory laparotomy. A diffuse lesion was observed throughout the duodenum, making surgical removal impossible due to its physiological positioning, which prevented exteriorization. Conservative treatment was chosen and proved effective in controlling recurrent colic episodes and promoting weight gain.