title: Experimental cantharidiasis in the horse.
abstract: Crystalline cantharidin in an alfalfa cake or in aqueous suspension was given to 8 horses at a dosage level of 450 to 489 micrograms/kg of body weight (group 1) and 2 horses at a dosage level of 720 micrograms/kg (group 2) via nasogastric tube. Both group 2 horses and 1 group 1 horse died. Horses were evaluated at 6-hour intervals for 36 hours and then again at postcantharidin hours 48. Data evaluation consisted of a comparison of the nonsurvival and survival data to one another and their respective base-line values at each sampling period, irrespective of the route of administration and dosage level. Consistent findings in both groups included significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) increases in cardiac rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature and decreases in total serum Ca, serum Mg, and K concentrations during at least one 6-hour period. Calcium and Mg concentrations were still significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) depressed at postcantharidin hours 48, although other electrolytes and physiologic values had returned to base line. Arterial oxygen tension, total protein, serum creatine kinase, arterial CO2, and plasma bicarbonate were depressed in surviving horses during 1 or more periods. The most consistent clinical signs were anorexia and depression; severe gingival and oral mucosal erosions; washing of the muzzle in water; stiff, short-strided gait; and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter. One group 2 horse that died had microscopic histopathologic features compatible with blister beetle intoxication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002193:Cantharidin / Q000506:poisoning*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000097:blood; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006736:Horses; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010313:Partial Pressure; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D008274:Magnesium; D002193:Cantharidin; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium