Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Liver failure attributable to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis and associated with inspiratory dyspnea in ponies: three cases (1982-1988).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1991
- Authors:
- Pearson, E G
- Affiliation:
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Plain-English summary
In a study involving 41 ponies that were having trouble breathing and making noise while inhaling, three were found to have liver failure likely caused by poisoning from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic compounds found in some plants. The breathing issues seemed to stem from paralysis in the throat area, possibly due to a condition called hepatic encephalopathy, which affects brain function due to liver problems. While these symptoms are not typical for this type of poisoning, veterinarians should consider this possibility to avoid misdiagnosing the cause of the breathing difficulties. The outcome for these ponies was not detailed, but the findings highlight the importance of recognizing this rare connection.
Abstract
Of 41 equids referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in the Pacific northwest because of dyspnea and inspiratory noise, 3 ponies were diagnosed as having liver failure, most likely attributable to pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicosis. Dyspnea appeared to be caused by laryngeal and/or pharyngeal paralysis. It is proposed that this paralysis was a manifestation of hepatic encephalopathy. Although these clinical signs are not common for pyrrolizidine toxicosis, practitioners should be aware of the possibility so that misdiagnosis of other causes of inspiratory dyspnea may not be made.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2061186/