Endotoxemia in Horses

Learn about this life-threatening condition that occurs when Gram-negative bacteria or parts of their walls access a horse’s blood. Read more in The Horse‘s Winter 2023 issue.
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By James Moore, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, and Jarred Williams, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS-LA, ACVECC

horse sleeping standing up
Endotoxemia, a life-threatening condition, can render horses lethargic and dull. | Getty images

It’s a normal day. You wake up, feed the horses, go to work, come home, head to the barn. Your 16-year-old gelding stands in the pasture, head down, lethargic and dull. He didn’t finish his breakfast and has no interest in dinner. You call your veterinarian arrives, she arrives, examines the gelding, and tells you he might have colitis and appears “toxic.” What does this mean, where did it start?

Understanding Endotoxemia


Endotoxemia is a complication that occurs when Gram-negative bacteria or parts of their walls access blood, such as in horses diagnosed with colitis, pneumonia/­pleuropneumonia, neonatal sepsis, or endometritis

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We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Our explanatory journalism provides an understandable resource on important and sometimes complex health issues. Your subscription will help The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels.

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