Field management of two foals with suspected botulism

Abstract

SUMMARY Two cases of botulism in foals and their medical management are described. Both cases were treated on the farm for financial reasons and had successful outcomes. The foals were treated with Clostridium botulinum type B antitoxin, antibiotics, ocular lubricants, histamine (H2) blockers in one case, and tube feeding in another case, along with diligent nursing care by the owners. A discussion is presented on the field management of foals suspected of suffering from botulism and possible complications.

Type Bbotulinum intoxication in horses: case report and literature review

“…Specific or polyvalent antitoxins may be used early in the disease. Areduction in death rate from 90 t o 25% due to use of specific antitoxin in field outbreaks of botulism, has been reported (Colahan et al 1991;Crane 1991). If antibiotics are used, those that may potentiate neuromuscular weakness, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines and procaine penicillin should be avoided (Divers et al 1986;Colahan et al 1991).…”

A suspected case of botulism in a horse

“…Toxicoinfectious botulism is seen mainly in young foals and arises from ingestion of spores which elaborate toxin within the GIT (Mackay and Berkhoff 1982;Crane 1991). It has not been reported in the UK.…”

“…Haematological values may be normal, as in this case, or show a stress response. Patients are usually bright and responsive due to the absence of CNS involvement (Crane 1991;Bernard 1997) although some recumbent horses may struggle excessively and become distressed. Horses often have an apparently dull expression due to weakness of facial muscles.…”

“…This improvement is too quick if recovery depends upon formation of new nerve terminals (Simpson 1981). Some horses may deteriorate initially after toxin administration (Bernard 1987;Crane 1991). Mayhew (1991) states that toxin conjugated with various proteins has been reported to be more powerful.…”

“…Kinde et al (1991) reported muscle atrophy and decreased exercise tolerance at 2 months but full recovery by 5 months in horses that showed prominent locomotor signs. Crane (1991) and Whitlock (1996) state that recovery will take several weeks, but should be complete.…”