Suspected swainsonine poisoning in a Belgian horse

Authors: Nollet, H.; Panter, K.; Vanschandevijl, K.; Lefere, L.; Stegelmeier, B.; Deprez, P.

Source: Equine Veterinary Education, Volume 20, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 62-65(4)

Publisher: Equine Veterinary Journal Ltd.

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Abstract:

The case of a horse with acute symptoms of excitement, exaggerated fright reactions and trembling is presented. In addition to these cerebral symptoms, mild cerebellar ataxia and a renal tubular lesion were diagnosed. Suspected swainsonine poisoning was confirmed by the presence of the toxin (154 ng/ml) in the serum sample taken immediately after admission. A good recovery was seen after fluid therapy with supplementation of potassium, a dopamine drip and administration of diazepam. The effects of the toxin, by inhibiting the lysosomal enzyme α-mannosidase and mimicking the genetic mannosidosis, are discussed.

Keywords: HORSE; SWAINSONINE; INTOXICATION; LYSOSOMAL; MANNOSIDOSIS

Document Type: Case report

DOI: 10.2746/095777308X264255

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