Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Acute lead intoxication in a pregnant mare.
- Journal:
- Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Kruger, K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old American Saddlebred mare experienced a serious case of lead poisoning, which is usually a long-term issue but in this case was acute. Over four days in the hospital, her condition worsened significantly, starting with occasional head shaking and low energy, and eventually leading to severe, uncontrollable behavior. After she passed away, an examination revealed three hard metal pieces in her stomach that contained a high level of lead. The lead levels found in her brain, liver, stomach, and kidneys were also measured, showing some accumulation. Unfortunately, the treatment did not work, and she ultimately did not survive.
Abstract
Lead (Pb) intoxication in horses is usually a chronic phenomenon with clinical signs associated with central nervous dysfunction. This report gives details of a case of acute Pb intoxication in a 9-year-old American Saddlebred mare with severe, progressive and ultimately fatal neurological deterioration. During the 4 days of hospitalisation, clinical signs progressed from intermittent headshaking and depression to severe, continuous, uncontrollable manic behaviour. At autopsy, three grey-coloured, hard metal particles were present in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequently found to contain 2614 ppm Pb. Lead concentrations in the brain, liver, stomach and kidney were 29, 4, 6 and 2 ppm wet weight, respectively.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18678194/