Suspected ivermectin toxicosis in a miniature mule foal causing blindness

Authors: Plummer, Caryn E.; Kallberg, Maria E.; Ollivier, Franck J.; Brooks, Dennis E.; Gelatt, Kirk N.

Source: Veterinary Ophthalmology, Volume 9, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 29-32(4)

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Abstract:

A 9-week-old miniature mule foal presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for acute blindness, ataxia, and depression following an overdose of an over-the-counter ivermectin-based de-worming medication. Ophthalmic examination and electrodiagnostic evaluation eliminated outer retinal abnormalities as the primary cause of the bilateral blindness, implicating instead a central neurologic effect of the drug. With symptomatic and supportive care, the foal recovered fully and regained its vision.

Keywords: ataxia; blindness; ERG; ivermectin; mule; toxicosis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-5224.2005.00431.x

Publication date: 2006-01-01