Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism by which pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause toxicity in horses?
What is the primary mechanism by which pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause toxicity in horses?
- Directly inhibiting mitochondrial function in hepatic cells.
- Transformation into toxic pyrroles that cross-link DNA, preventing mitosis. (correct)
- Interfering with neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system.
- Acting as competitive antagonists to essential nutrient absorption in the intestines.
Which of the following clinical signs is least likely to be associated with cardiac glycoside toxicity in horses?
Which of the following clinical signs is least likely to be associated with cardiac glycoside toxicity in horses?
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
- Gastrointestinal irritation.
- Strengthened force of cardiac contraction.
- Profound sedation. (correct)
Why are calcium and potassium containing fluids typically avoided in the management of cardiac glycoside toxicity?
Why are calcium and potassium containing fluids typically avoided in the management of cardiac glycoside toxicity?
- They enhance the binding affinity of cardiac glycosides to the Na+/K+ ATPase pump.
- They can worsen cardiac arrhythmias and exacerbate the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides. (correct)
- They interfere with the efficacy of antioxidant therapies like vitamin E and DMSO.
- They exacerbate gastrointestinal irritation, leading to further electrolyte imbalances.
A horse presents with acute anemia, methemoglobinemia, tachypnea, and tachycardia after a recent storm. The owner reports the horse had access to fallen tree branches. Which toxicity is most likely?
A horse presents with acute anemia, methemoglobinemia, tachypnea, and tachycardia after a recent storm. The owner reports the horse had access to fallen tree branches. Which toxicity is most likely?
Which of the following is the most critical factor to consider when determining the prognosis for a horse diagnosed with ionophore toxicity?
Which of the following is the most critical factor to consider when determining the prognosis for a horse diagnosed with ionophore toxicity?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which 'Fumonisin B1' causes neurological damage in horses?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which 'Fumonisin B1' causes neurological damage in horses?
A group of horses grazing on pasture with Alsike clover for more than a year is exhibiting anorexia, weight loss, and icterus. What pathophysiologic mechanism is most likely responsible for these signs?
A group of horses grazing on pasture with Alsike clover for more than a year is exhibiting anorexia, weight loss, and icterus. What pathophysiologic mechanism is most likely responsible for these signs?
What strategy would be least effective in managing a horse diagnosed with leukoencephalomalacia due to moldy corn ingestion?
What strategy would be least effective in managing a horse diagnosed with leukoencephalomalacia due to moldy corn ingestion?
Which of the following findings would be least expected in a horse with cantharidin toxicity?
Which of the following findings would be least expected in a horse with cantharidin toxicity?
What is the most appropriate and immediate step in managing a horse suspected of ingesting blister beetles?
What is the most appropriate and immediate step in managing a horse suspected of ingesting blister beetles?
What is the primary reason for the recommendation to remove mares from fescue pastures 60-90 days before foaling?
What is the primary reason for the recommendation to remove mares from fescue pastures 60-90 days before foaling?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of domperidone in treating mares affected by fescue toxicosis?
Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of domperidone in treating mares affected by fescue toxicosis?
Which of the following toxins is most likely to cause bilaterally symmetrical lesions in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra?
Which of the following toxins is most likely to cause bilaterally symmetrical lesions in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra?
How does white snakeroot primarily exert its toxic effects in horses?
How does white snakeroot primarily exert its toxic effects in horses?
What diagnostic modality is most useful for diagnosing Nigropallidal encephalomalacia antemortem?
What diagnostic modality is most useful for diagnosing Nigropallidal encephalomalacia antemortem?
What is true regarding treatment for horses with confirmed Nigropallidal encephalomalacia?
What is true regarding treatment for horses with confirmed Nigropallidal encephalomalacia?
Which statement accurately reflects the danger of white snakeroot to young horses?
Which statement accurately reflects the danger of white snakeroot to young horses?
Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of red maple toxicity in a horse?
Which diagnostic finding is most indicative of red maple toxicity in a horse?
Which of the following plants contains cardiac glycosides?
Which of the following plants contains cardiac glycosides?
Which statement regarding supportive treatment of cardiac glycoside toxicity is most accurate?
Which statement regarding supportive treatment of cardiac glycoside toxicity is most accurate?
Which liver enzyme is the most sensitive indicator for detecting early liver damage?
Which liver enzyme is the most sensitive indicator for detecting early liver damage?
You are presented with a horse with photosensitization. Which step in the management of this horse is most important?
You are presented with a horse with photosensitization. Which step in the management of this horse is most important?
A horse presents with poor body condition, icterus, and photosensitization. Liver enzymes are elevated on serum biochemistry. What is the most likely underlying cause?
A horse presents with poor body condition, icterus, and photosensitization. Liver enzymes are elevated on serum biochemistry. What is the most likely underlying cause?
A group of horses presents in late fall with signs of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, including blindness, hypermetria, and disorientation. The owner feeds commercial feed. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A group of horses presents in late fall with signs of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, including blindness, hypermetria, and disorientation. The owner feeds commercial feed. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Which of the following clinical signs is most consistent with ionophore toxicity in horses?
Which of the following clinical signs is most consistent with ionophore toxicity in horses?
Which statement regarding treatment of a horse with ionophore toxicity is most accurate?
Which statement regarding treatment of a horse with ionophore toxicity is most accurate?
Which of the following is the most critical factor in determining the severity of cantharidin toxicity?
Which of the following is the most critical factor in determining the severity of cantharidin toxicity?
Which of the following is a key step in initially managing a horse suspected of ingesting cardiac glycoside-containing plants?
Which of the following is a key step in initially managing a horse suspected of ingesting cardiac glycoside-containing plants?
Which strategy is least likely to be effective specifically for secondary photosensitization?
Which strategy is least likely to be effective specifically for secondary photosensitization?
What is the primary mechanism by which ionophores exert their toxic effect on horses?
What is the primary mechanism by which ionophores exert their toxic effect on horses?
What is the most important factor in determining whether to treat a horse with domperidone?
What is the most important factor in determining whether to treat a horse with domperidone?
What mechanism causes weight loss, tremors, ataxia, depression, cardiac arrhythmias, recumbency and death??
What mechanism causes weight loss, tremors, ataxia, depression, cardiac arrhythmias, recumbency and death??
What management steps are important for cardiac glycoside toxicity? Select the least important.
What management steps are important for cardiac glycoside toxicity? Select the least important.
What disease process leads to severe hepatic disease, and phylloerythrin accumulates in skin?
What disease process leads to severe hepatic disease, and phylloerythrin accumulates in skin?
Which factor is least relevant when evaluating a horse for possible Alsike Clover toxicity?
Which factor is least relevant when evaluating a horse for possible Alsike Clover toxicity?
Which factor is least relevant when evaluating a horse for cantharidin toxicity?
Which factor is least relevant when evaluating a horse for cantharidin toxicity?
A horse exhibiting neurological signs, including facial hypertonicity when offered food, poor body condition, and a history of grazing in the Western US, is suspected of suffering from Nigropallidal encephalomalacia. What diagnostic imaging modality would be most sensitive in confirming this diagnosis antemortem?
A horse exhibiting neurological signs, including facial hypertonicity when offered food, poor body condition, and a history of grazing in the Western US, is suspected of suffering from Nigropallidal encephalomalacia. What diagnostic imaging modality would be most sensitive in confirming this diagnosis antemortem?
Following a recent storm, several horses on a farm develop acute hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hemoglobinuria. Knowing that red maple trees are present in the pasture, what would be the most effective initial treatment strategy to directly address the cause of the hemolysis?
Following a recent storm, several horses on a farm develop acute hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hemoglobinuria. Knowing that red maple trees are present in the pasture, what would be the most effective initial treatment strategy to directly address the cause of the hemolysis?
A broodmare at 310 days of gestation is grazing on fescue pasture. Which combination of clinical signs would most strongly suggest ergopeptine alkaloid toxicosis, necessitating intervention with domperidone?
A broodmare at 310 days of gestation is grazing on fescue pasture. Which combination of clinical signs would most strongly suggest ergopeptine alkaloid toxicosis, necessitating intervention with domperidone?
Which of the following pathophysiologic mechanisms is least associated with the toxic effects of white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) in horses?
Which of the following pathophysiologic mechanisms is least associated with the toxic effects of white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) in horses?
A horse presents with severe colic, hematuria, and frequent urination. Which of the following diagnostic findings would provide the strongest evidence for a diagnosis of cantharidin toxicity?
A horse presents with severe colic, hematuria, and frequent urination. Which of the following diagnostic findings would provide the strongest evidence for a diagnosis of cantharidin toxicity?
What is the most critical aspect of supportive care for a horse exhibiting cardiac arrhythmias and gastrointestinal distress due to suspected foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) ingestion?
What is the most critical aspect of supportive care for a horse exhibiting cardiac arrhythmias and gastrointestinal distress due to suspected foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) ingestion?
A group of horses grazing on pasture containing Alsike clover for an extended period develops anorexia, weight loss, and icterus. Which of the following diagnostics would be the most specific indicator of Alsike clover toxicity?
A group of horses grazing on pasture containing Alsike clover for an extended period develops anorexia, weight loss, and icterus. Which of the following diagnostics would be the most specific indicator of Alsike clover toxicity?
Which feeding management strategy would be most effective in preventing leukoencephalomalacia in a herd of horses?
Which feeding management strategy would be most effective in preventing leukoencephalomalacia in a herd of horses?
A horse presents with acute onset blindness, hypermetria, and disorientation in late fall. The owner reports feeding a commercially available grain mix. What is the most likely underlying cause of these clinical signs?
A horse presents with acute onset blindness, hypermetria, and disorientation in late fall. The owner reports feeding a commercially available grain mix. What is the most likely underlying cause of these clinical signs?
Which of the following statements best explains why mineral oil or activated charcoal is administered to horses suspected of white snakeroot toxicity?
Which of the following statements best explains why mineral oil or activated charcoal is administered to horses suspected of white snakeroot toxicity?
A horse is diagnosed with ionophore toxicity. Which cardiac parameter, assessed via echocardiogram, would be most indicative of a grave prognosis?
A horse is diagnosed with ionophore toxicity. Which cardiac parameter, assessed via echocardiogram, would be most indicative of a grave prognosis?
A horse presents with photosensitization, and the veterinarian suspects secondary photosensitization due to liver damage. Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to confirm the presence of significant hepatic dysfunction?
A horse presents with photosensitization, and the veterinarian suspects secondary photosensitization due to liver damage. Which of the following diagnostic tests would be most appropriate to confirm the presence of significant hepatic dysfunction?
You are managing a horse with suspected cantharidin toxicity. In addition to supportive care, which treatment would be most appropriate to minimize further absorption of the toxin?
You are managing a horse with suspected cantharidin toxicity. In addition to supportive care, which treatment would be most appropriate to minimize further absorption of the toxin?
A horse presents with acute anemia and icterus. Red maple toxicity is suspected from the history. Which of the following blood products would be most appropriate for transfusion to address the anemia:
A horse presents with acute anemia and icterus. Red maple toxicity is suspected from the history. Which of the following blood products would be most appropriate for transfusion to address the anemia:
A horse is diagnosed with Nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Which of the following statements regarding long-term management and prognosis is most accurate?
A horse is diagnosed with Nigropallidal encephalomalacia. Which of the following statements regarding long-term management and prognosis is most accurate?
Several horses on a farm develop signs consistent with cardiac glycoside toxicity after grazing in a previously unutilized pasture. Aftermath management strategy would be least effective in mitigating the risk of further toxicosis?
Several horses on a farm develop signs consistent with cardiac glycoside toxicity after grazing in a previously unutilized pasture. Aftermath management strategy would be least effective in mitigating the risk of further toxicosis?
A horse is diagnosed with leukoencephalomalacia due to fumonisin toxicity from contaminated corn. What is the most accurate statement regarding treatment and prognosis?
A horse is diagnosed with leukoencephalomalacia due to fumonisin toxicity from contaminated corn. What is the most accurate statement regarding treatment and prognosis?
What is the most significant consideration when evaluating the potential toxicity of white snakeroot to a herd of horses?
What is the most significant consideration when evaluating the potential toxicity of white snakeroot to a herd of horses?
Which aspect of the history and clinical presentation would least support a diagnosis of red maple toxicity in a horse presenting with acute anemia?
Which aspect of the history and clinical presentation would least support a diagnosis of red maple toxicity in a horse presenting with acute anemia?
A horse presents with muscle tremors, ataxia, depression and cardiac arrhythmias. White Snakeroot toxicity is suspected. What other differential should be considered?
A horse presents with muscle tremors, ataxia, depression and cardiac arrhythmias. White Snakeroot toxicity is suspected. What other differential should be considered?
Flashcards
Nigropallidal Encephalomalacia
Nigropallidal Encephalomalacia
Neurological damage in horses caused by toxins in Yellow Star Thistle and Russian Knapweed.
White Snakeroot
White Snakeroot
A toxic plant that can cause cardiac issues in horses.
Red Maple Toxicity
Red Maple Toxicity
Acute anemia in horses often seen after storms, caused by the ingestion of wilted red maple leaves.
Cardiac Glycosides
Cardiac Glycosides
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Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity
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Secondary Photosensitization
Secondary Photosensitization
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PA = hepatotoxic plants.
PA = hepatotoxic plants.
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Rhizoctonia leguminicola
Rhizoctonia leguminicola
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Ergopeptine Alkaloid Toxicosis
Ergopeptine Alkaloid Toxicosis
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Equine Fescue Toxicosis Management
Equine Fescue Toxicosis Management
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Leukoencephalomalacia Cause
Leukoencephalomalacia Cause
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Leukoencephalomalacia
Leukoencephalomalacia
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lonophore
lonophore
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Cantharidin
Cantharidin
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Study Notes
Equine Toxins
- Requires familiarity with equine intoxications
- Requires understanding of risk and clinical manifestation for common toxins
- Requires establishing diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
- Plant names should be referred to by their common name
Reference Material
- Equine Internal Medicine, Reed, Bayly and Sellon 2017
- Large Animal Internal Medicine, B Smith, 2019
- The Vet Clinics of North America, Equine Practice, December 2001
- Equine as well as toxicology texts
- Colorado State University CVM Websites
- Poisonous plant search can be found at https://csuvth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/Plants/Search
Toxic Plants
- Nigropallidal encephalomalacia affects the CNS and causes starvation
- White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) affects the cardiac system
- Red Maple leaves (Acer rubrum) causes hemolysis
Nigropallidal Encephalomalacia
- Affects Equidae specifically horses, mules, and donkeys
- Caused by yellow star thistle (Centaurea melitensis) found in California, Oregon, and western US
- Also caused by Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens)
- The toxin is 2,3-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4[H]-pyran-4-one
- Requires continuous ingestion of 80-200% BW for weeks to months
- Results from hay or pasture contamination
- Found in the Western US
- Bilaterally symmetric lesions result
- Non-progressive, focal necrosis of globus pallidus or substantia nigra
- Facial hypertonicity increases as food is presented, causing the inability to prehend
- Results in poor body condition
- MRI can be used for antemortem diagnosis
- There is no treatment available
- Prognosis for recovery or survival is poor
White Snakeroot
- The scientific name is Eupatorium rugosum
- Also called Rayless goldenrod (Isocoma wrightii)
- The toxic component is Tremetol
- It is a fat-soluble, high molecular weight alcohol
- Results in elevated CK, AST, pigmenturia, proteinuria, acidosis and hyperglycemia, and muscle necrosis
- Affects the heart, kidneys, gut, and lungs
- The toxin concentrates in milk
- DO NOT FEED MILK TO OFFSPRING!
- Results in weight loss, tremors, ataxia, and depression
- Can cause cardiac arrhythmias, recumbency, and death
- Skeletal muscle and myocardial streaking and necrosis results
- Rule out Ionophore contamination
Clinical Management for Plant Toxins
- Treatment relies on addressing symptoms
- Provide supportive care
- Attempt to evacuate the GIT
- Administer mineral oil or activated charcoal
- Diuresis is indicated
- Examine all herd mates
- Prognosis is guarded to poor
Hematologic Toxicity & Red Maple Toxicity
- Associated with acute (severe) anemia due to intravascular hemolysis
- Causes methemoglobinemia, tachypnea and tachycardia
- Occurs most often in the Fall
- Can occur after trimming or storm
- Wilted leaves toxicity
Cause of Red Maple Toxicity
- Acer Rubrum is the cause
Differentials for Red Maple Toxicity
- Phenothiazine toxicity
- Wild Onion
- IMHA, EIA
- Drug hypersensitivity
- Ehrlichiosis, Piroplasmosis
- Endotoxemia
- Hepatic failure
Management for Red Maple Toxicity
- Stabilize
- Provides blood transfusions
- Administer anti-inflammatories and antibiotics
- Oxygen insufflation
- Guarded prognosis overall
- Perform environmental evaluation for affected herd mates
Cardiac Glycoside Containing Plants
- Cardiac glycoside containing plants are toxic to equines
- Cardiac glycoside containing plants include: -Digitalis purpurea or foxglove -Nerium oleander or oleander -Rhododendron spp. or azaleas
Foxglove
- Scientific name is Digitalis spp.
- Contains cardiac glycosides that strengthen the force of contraction
- Is unpalatable
- Causes GIT irritation
- Associated with cardiac arrhythmias
- Lethal dose is ~ 0.05% BW (0.25 kg)
Management of Cardiac Glycoside Toxicity
- Avoid administering calcium and potassium containing fluids when managing a case of (suspected) cardiac glycoside toxicity
- Largely supportive:
- Intravenous fluids
- Analgesics such as NSAIDs: flunixin meglumine or phenylbutazone
- Antioxidants such as vitamin E and DMSO
Hepatotoxicity
- Caused by toxic plants
Toxic Plants and Liver Disease
- Toxicity can lead to photosensitization of the liver
- Primary photosensitization occurs when a plant directly causes photosensitization
- Example, Hypericum perforatum or St. John’s wort
- Secondary photosensitization occurs when a plant causes hepatic disease
- Server hepatic disease can lead to photosensitization
- The phylloerythrin accumulates in the skin
- Hepatotoxic plants can cause secondary photosensitization
- Example, Senecio spp or ragwort
Management of Photosensitization
- Rule out significant hepatic disease -If hepatic disease is present, treat (hepatic disease) as the primary disorder
- Determine if / what plants are in the pasture
- Remove patient from direct sunlight
- Lesions should heal in 2-3 weeks
- Apply topical silver sulfadiazine (SSD) as it is soothing and antimicrobial
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Toxicity
- The toxin causes hepatic disease
- Ingestion of a toxic plant leads to hepatic damage
- Alkaloid transforms into toxic pyrrole
- Reactive metabolites bind cell molecules, cross link DNA and prevent mitosis
PA Toxicity
- PA toxicity = hepatic disease
- Leads to poor body condition and icterus
- Check for pasture access issues
- Is a primary hepatic disease
- Results in elevated enzymes such as GGT, AST and ALP
- Results in reduced hepatic function with reduced bile acids
- Leads to megalocytosis and bridging fibrosis
- Has a guarded prognosis overall
- PA = hepatotoxic plants
- Senecio
- Crotalaria
Mycotoxins
- Mycotoxins can infect hay, forage, or grain -Rhizoctonia leguminicola: Slobber toxin -Neotyphodium coenphialum: Fescue toxicosis -Fusarium proliferatum: Leukoencephalomalacia
Alsike Clover Toxicity
- Trifolium hybridum is the cause of toxicity
- Found in Northwestern US and Canada
- Requires long term grazing (>1 yr)
- Leads to anorexia, weight loss and icterus
- Causes secondary photosensitization, and Phylloerythrin accumulation
- Mechanism of toxicity is poorly understood
- It is believed to result from an undetermined fungal infection and associated mycotoxins
Red Clover
- Trifolium pretense is the cause
- Results from a fungus, Rhizoctonia leguminicola
- The mycotoxin is slaframine
- Is a parasympathomimetic
- Treatment is to discontinue feeding the contaminated hay!
- Fungus can grow on other forages other clover and alfalfa
- R/O oral trauma, ulcers, foreign body etc
Ergopeptine Alkaloid Toxicosis
- "Fescue Toxicosis" is caused by Festuca arundinacea
- The endophyte is Neotyphodium coenphialum (Formerly Acremonium)
- Liberates ergopeptines, primarily ergovaline which is toxic
- Causes a fungal endophyte
- Most widely grown pasture grass in the USA
- Greater than 50% of all fescue is infected with endophyte
- Results in endocrine abnormalities in mares and the fetus
- Depressed prolactin secretion
- Depressed fetal cortisol secretion
- Elevated circulating estradiol concentration
- Suppressed final stages of gestation
Equine Fescue Toxicosis
- Results from infection of the plant in the stem, leaf, and seeds
- Common clinical signs are delayed gestation and thickened placenta
- Leads to impaired lactogenesis, and poor fetal maturity
- Treat by removing from pasture 90 days before foaling
- Treat with D2 antagonist
Leukoencephalomalacia
- Results from Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium verticilliodes (Fusarium moniliforme)
- Results from mycotoxins by Fumonisin B1, B2, and B3
- FB1 interferes with sphingolipid metabolism which disrupts endothelial cell walls and basement membranes
- Leads to the lesion: Liquefactive necrosis and degeneration of the cerebral white matter – long term, low dose
- High doses can result in liver toxicity
Disease Occurrence due to Leukoencephalomalacia
- Occurs in late fall through early spring
- Acute onset of clinical signs results
- Results from corn based commercial feed
- Associated with 14-100% morbidity
- Leads to central (CNS) sings predominate: blindness, hypermetria, depression, disorientation
- Affects both the CNS and hepatic system
- Check serum chemistry for hepatic enzymes
- Neurologic examination reveals a central lesion
Treatment for Leukoencephalomalacia
- Supportive care is indicated
- Prognosis is guarded to grave
Feed and Forage Contaminants
- Ionophore
- Cantharidin
Ionophore Intoxication
- 2 to 3 mg/kg of monensin causes toxicity
- 20-34 mg/kg for cattle causes toxicity
- Results in anorexia and colic
- Can lead to acute death
- Results in weakness and toxicity
- Myocarditis results, which can lead to congestive heart failure, and DCM
Diagnosis of Ionophore Toxicity
- History collection is valuable
- Evaluate the feed and stomach contents
- Check liver and muscle enzyme which would have elevated ALP, CK, and AST
- Assess cardiac isoenzymes
- Troponin I
- CK-MB, LDH-HBD
- U. Penn.
- Undergo cardiac evaluation
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Reduced fractional shortening
- +/- Thoracic radiographs may be necessary
Management of Ionophore Toxicity
- Remove suspect feed from consumption immediately
- Administer mineral oil or activated charcoal early in the disease -Do not administer digoxin or calcium!
- Treat for congestive heart failure
- Be prepared for acute death
- Echocardiogram will aid in establishing a prognosis
- Reduced fractional shortening
- Guarded for survival
- Minimal change
- Possibly a breeding animal
- No abnormalities
- Favorable prognosis
- Follow up evaluation is indicated
- Reduced fractional shortening
- Ionophore Intoxication often consists of group / herd problem
- Is related to exposure to cattle feed
- Some horses might not die acutely
- In general the prognosis is poor
- Prognosis becomes grave once they have reached evidence of cardiac disease
- No specific therapy for management exists
Blister Beetle Toxicity
- Cantharidin is rapidly absorbed and excreted in the urine
- Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation happens
- Cell death results from exposure
- Ulcers will develop in the GIT and urinary system
- Leads to painful condition and colic
- Leads to renal, hepatic, and cardiac dysfunction
- Epicauta spp. is the organism
- There are greater than 200 species
- Toxicity occurs from ingesting dead beetles
- Often found in alfalfa hay
- The condition is referred to as Cantharidin toxicity
Cantharidin Toxicity
- Leads to pseudomembranous inflammation of GIT
- Leads to hemorrhagic cystitis including occult blood in urine
- Myocarditis and necrosis results
- Diagnose by identifying the toxin in urine (or stomach contents)
Management for Cantharidin Toxicity
- Perform early emptying of the stomach, and provide activated charcoal
- Manage hypocalcemia and provide intravenous fluids
- Manage hypoproteinemia with plasma transfusion
- Pain relief
- Be prepared for complications, specifically cardiac, renal, and laminitis
Summary for Equine Toxins
- Toxicity can occur from a variety of compounds such as plants, mycotoxins and toxic compounds in feed
- A variety of organs can be affected
- Determine route of exposure for each case
- Treat as indicated and work to limit exposure of others on the property
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