## Overview Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (also called anterior enteritis or proximal enteritis) is an inflammatory condition of the proximal small intestine that causes marked fluid secretion, ileus, and copious nasogastric reflux. Horses present with depression, mild to moderate colic, fever, and large volumes of reflux. The cause is often undetermined. ## Causes Unknown in most cases. Clostridium or Salmonella have been implicated in some horses but are not consistently isolated. ## Diagnosis Clinical findings of depression, fever, and voluminous reflux with relatively mild pain, plus ultrasound showing distended, hypomotile small intestine. Differentiation from surgical small-intestinal lesions is important. ## Treatment Repeated nasogastric decompression, intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care. Surgery is avoided when the diagnosis is clear, as the intestine is usually viable. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair with aggressive medical management. Laminitis is a significant complication (reported in up to 30 percent of cases). ## Prevention None specific.
massive nasogastric reflux; depression; fever; dehydration; mild to moderate colic; risk of laminitis
## Overview Duodenitis-proximal jejunitis (also called anterior enteritis or proximal enteritis) is an inflammatory condition of the proximal small intestine that causes marked fluid secretion, ileus, and copious nasogastric reflux. Horses present with depression, mild to moderate colic, fever, and large volumes of reflux. The cause is often undetermined. ## Causes Unknown in most cases. Clostridium or Salmonella have been implicated in some horses but are not consistently isolated. ## Diagnosis Clinical findings of depression, fever, and voluminous reflux with relatively mild pain, plus ultrasound showing distended, hypomotile small intestine. Differentiation from surgical small-intestinal lesions is important. ## Treatment Repeated nasogastric decompression, intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatories, and supportive care. Surgery is avoided when the diagnosis is clear, as the intestine is usually viable. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair with aggressive medical management. Laminitis is a significant complication (reported in up to 30 percent of cases). ## Prevention None specific.
massive nasogastric reflux; depression; fever; dehydration; mild to moderate colic; risk of laminitis