Oleander toxicosis in equids: 30 cases (1995-2010).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical, laboratory analysis, and necropsy findings for equids with oleander toxicosis and to identify factors associated with outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
30 equids.


METHODS
Medical records of equids with detectable concentrations of oleandrin in serum, plasma, urine, or gastrointestinal fluid samples and equids that had not received cardiac glycoside drugs but had detectable concentrations of digoxin in serum were identified via a medical records database search. Descriptive statistics were calculated for medical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, and necropsy variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify physical examination and laboratory analysis factors significantly associated with outcome.


RESULTS
3 of 30 (10.0%) equids died before or immediately after arrival at the hospital. Of the other 27 equids, 23 (85.2%) had gastrointestinal tract abnormalities, azotemia was detected for 19 (70.4%), and a cardiac arrhythmia was ausculted for 18 (66.7%). Mortality rate for all equids was 50.0%; mortality rate for hospitalized equids was 44.4%. The most common cause of death was cardiac dysfunction. Odds of survival to discharge from the hospital were lower for equids with cardiac arrhythmias versus those without arrhythmias and decreased with increasing Hct and serum glucose concentrations. Odds of survival increased with increasing serum chloride concentration and duration of hospitalization.


CONCLUSIONS
Equids with oleander toxicosis frequently had simultaneous gastrointestinal tract, cardiac, and renal problems. Oleander intoxication should be a differential diagnosis for equids with colic in geographic areas where oleander is found, especially when azotemia or cardiac arrhythmias are detected concurrently.
William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. acrenieracvim@gmail.com
Anna C
AC
Renier
Philip H
PH
Kass
K Gary
KG
Magdesian
John E
JE
Madigan
Monica
M
Aleman
Nicola
N
Pusterla
D000818:Animals; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006736:Horses; D030007:Nerium / Q000506:poisoning*; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies