An Update on Endotoxemia in Horses

In the past three decades, a considerable amount of information has arisen about the involvement of endotoxins in horses with gastrointestinal diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a succinct review of the pathogenesis of endotoxemia and its treatment. This will be accomplished by first defining endotoxins, identifying how these toxins interact with specific plasma proteins and cells in the horse’s circulation, the results of these interactions, and the most common methods used to treat the clinical effects of endotoxemia. By having a more thorough understanding of endotoxins, we may be able to identify new and better ways to interfere with their deleterious effects in horses.