Endotoxaemia in the horse.

Endotoxins are non-protein fragments of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. They must be absorbed into the circulation to produce disease and systemic effects are similar, regardless of bacterial source. Absorption of endotoxins occurs in obstructive bowel disease and may play a significant part in determining the severity of the disease. Many of the responses to experimentally administered endotoxin are identical to those of bowel diseases or the horse and include circulatory, haematological and metabolic alterations. Therapeutic approaches are indirect and include many drugs currently employed in equine practice. The agents are directed toward mediators of the disease rather than the endotoxins themselves and include fluids, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, energy sources and vasoactive drugs. The rationale for use and dosages are discussed.