Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fatal propylene glycol toxicosis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Dorman, D C & Haschek, W M
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old male Quarter Horse, weighing between 450 and 500 kg, accidentally ingested 3.8 liters of propylene glycol, a substance often used to treat cattle. Within just 15 minutes, the horse showed signs of poisoning, including excessive drooling, sweating, difficulty walking, and signs of pain. Over the next day, the horse's condition worsened, with abnormal breathing and a bluish tint to its skin, and it ultimately died from respiratory failure about 28 hours after the ingestion. Tests confirmed the presence of propylene glycol in the horse's blood and urine. This case highlights how dangerous propylene glycol can be for horses, potentially leading to fatal poisoning.
Abstract
Toxicosis attributable to propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) was suspected in an 8-year-old 450- to 500-kg male Quarter Horse. Clinical signs of toxicosis developed within 15 minutes of the accidental iatrogenic oral administration of 3.8 L of propylene glycol. Clinical signs of toxicosis included salivation, sweating, ataxia, and signs of pain. Additionally, at 24 hours after propylene glycol ingestion, the horse became increasingly atactic, had an abnormal breath odor, developed rapid shallow breathing, and was cyanotic. The horse died of apparent respiratory arrest 28 hours after the propylene glycol ingestion. Analysis of serum and combined urine and blood from the kidneys confirmed the presence of propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is used for the treatment and prevention of bovine ketosis, and is similar in appearance to mineral oil. The accidental administration of propylene glycol to horses may result in fatal poisoning.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2061183/