Presumptive Iatrogenic Microcystin-Associated Liver Failure and Encephalopathy in a Holsteiner Gelding.
An 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding was presented for evaluation of anorexia, obtundation, icterus, and mild colic signs of 48 hours duration. History, physical examination, and initial diagnostics were suggestive of hepatic disease and encephalopathy. Microcystin toxicosis was suspected based on historical administration of a cyanobacteria supplement, associated serum biochemistry abnormalities, and characteristic histopathological changes. Microcystin contamination was confirmed in both supplement containers fed to the horse. Fulminant hepatic failure and encephalopathy progressed resulting in euthanasia. Necropsy findings were consistent with microcystin induced liver failure.
Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Hospital for Large Animals, Kennett Square, PA. neilmitt@vet.upenn.edu.
N S
NS
Mittelman
Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA.
J B
JB
Engiles
Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Hospital for Large Animals, Kennett Square, PA.
L
L
Murphy
Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center Hospital for Large Animals, Kennett Square, PA.
D
D
Vudathala
Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA.
A L
AL
Johnson
D000818:Animals; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D052998:Microcystins / Q000633:toxicity*
D052998:Microcystins
Bile acids; Horse; Hyponatremia; Liver; Necrosis