Suspected ivermectin toxicosis in a miniature mule foal causing blindness.
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.
Plummer
Caryn E
CE
Department of Small and Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0126, USA.
Kallberg
Maria E
ME
Ollivier
Franck J
FJ
Brooks
Dennis E
DE
Gelatt
Kirk N
KN
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001766:Blindness / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000662:veterinary; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000662:veterinary; D018397:Equidae; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D007559:Ivermectin