Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Resolution of neurologic signs presumed to be associated with hyperammonemia in 2 endurance horses.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Fielding, C Langdon et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report discusses two endurance horses that developed high levels of ammonia in their blood, likely due to the extreme heat during a long race. They were both very tired and one horse showed signs of blindness. Blood tests confirmed their ammonia levels were elevated, but after receiving intravenous fluids and supportive care, both horses improved significantly. These cases highlight that high ammonia levels can cause serious symptoms like blindness in endurance horses, but they responded well to treatment and fully recovered.
Abstract
This case report describes 2 endurance horses with non-hepatic hyperammonemia. The animals were competing in a 160-km endurance competition in extreme heat conditions and were presented for obtundation. One of the horses also had evidence of blindness. The blood ammonia concentration was elevated (196 μmol/L and 249 μmol/L) and both horses improved following treatment with intravenous fluids and supportive care. These are the first documented cases of clinical signs presumed to be associated with hyperammonemia in endurance horses. Despite the severity of the clinical presentation, both horses made a full recovery. Key clinical message: Non-hepatic hyperammonemia should be considered as a potential cause of blindness and obtundation in competing endurance horses. Horses appear to respond well to treatment with intravenous fluids.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32741992/