Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Miniature horses very tired and stopped eating - was it oleander
By Butler, Jarrod et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2016·and College Road Animal Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Fatal Oleander Toxicosis in Two Miniature Horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two young American miniature horses from the same farm were taken to the vet because they were very tired, had stopped eating, and were experiencing irregular heartbeats. The horses received aggressive treatment, including IV fluids and other supportive care. Unfortunately, the first horse died about three days after showing symptoms, and the second horse was put to sleep because it wasn't responding well to treatment. The vet suspected they had eaten oleander plants, which are toxic, and this was confirmed by finding toxic substances in their bodies. Sadly, the treatment did not save either horse.
Abstract
Two young American miniature horses from the same farm were evaluated by a veterinarian due to presence of lethargy, anorexia, and cardiac arrhythmias. Both horses were treated aggressively with IV fluids and other supportive measures. The first horse died approximately 72 hr after the start of clinical signs and the second horse was humanely euthanized due to poor response to treatment. Oleander toxicosis was suspected based on the types of clinical signs present and due to several oleander plants and dried leaves present on the property. Oleander toxicosis was confirmed by the presence of oleandrin in gastrointestinal contents and digoxin in the serum of second horse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27685366/