Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens have been implicated in this intestinal disease of horses characterized by diarrhea and stomach pain. Both organisms may be present in soil or the environment and be ingested by horses. The factors that trigger disease are not well known, but there are established predisposing factors.

Predisposing factors:

• Change in diet

• Antibiotic treatment

• Age

• Immunity

• Presence of receptors for the clostridial toxins in the intestines

• Elimination of roughage from the diet before surgery