Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horse with vomiting and swelling after eating toxic substance?
By Guglick, M A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1995·Department of Medicine and Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Mercury toxicosis caused by ingestion of a blistering compound in a horse.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare was brought in with a lack of appetite and signs of stomach pain after ingesting a mercury-based blistering agent used for skin treatment. Upon examination, she showed signs of depression, swelling, frequent urination, a dry cough, and mouth sores, along with lab results indicating kidney problems. Despite receiving intensive care, including IV fluids and medications to remove mercury from her system, she developed severe hoof problems and was euthanized 18 days later. The necropsy revealed serious damage to her kidneys and intestines due to mercury poisoning.
People also search for: horse mercury poisoning symptoms · Quarter Horse kidney problems · treatment for horse laminitis
Abstract
Mercury toxicosis by ingestion was diagnosed in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse mare with a history of anorexia and signs of abdominal discomfort. Ten and 9 days prior to admission, an inorganic mercuric blistering agent has been applied for topical treatment of dorsal metacarpal disease. At referral, signs of depression, dependent edema, pollakiuria, nonproductive cough, and oral ulceration were noticed. Laboratory data were consistent with renal dysfunction. Mercury content of blood and urine was high, confirming the diagnosis. The horse responded to intensive care, consisting primarily of IV fluid treatment, and mercury-chelating agents. However, acute laminitis developed, and the owners elected to euthanatize the horse 18 days after mercury exposure. Necropsy findings included renal tubulonephrosis and ulcerative colitis and enteritis. Mercury concentration was highest in kidney and liver tissues. The potential for mercury toxicosis in horses currently exists, and although the prognosis is grave, some horses may recover with appropriate treatment and long-term supportive medical care.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7751224/