Equine Endotoxemia Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Endotoxemia is a life-threatening systemic inflammatory condition resulting from the presence of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) in the bloodstream. It remains one of the leading causes of mortality in horses and is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders causing colic, neonatal foal septicemia, retained placenta, pleuropneumonia, and other gram-negative infections.
Horses are exquisitely sensitive to endotoxin compared to other species, with circulating concentrations as low as 0.01 ng/mL capable of producing clinical signs. This heightened sensitivity makes early recognition and aggressive treatment essential for survival.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Structure of Endotoxin (LPS)
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major structural component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. It consists of three distinct regions:
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