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A review of moxidectin overdose cases in equines from 1998 through 2000.
Abstract: Moxidectin is a macrolide endectocide available as a 2% equine oral gel in the US. This report presents clinical signs of moxidectin toxicosis and its treatment in equines as reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) from January 1998 to December 2000. Nine cases of moxidectin overdose in equines occurred: 5 had signs of toxicosis such as coma, dyspnea, depression, ataxia, tremors, seizures, or weakness. The approximate dose of moxidectin at which these signs were observed ranged from 1.0 to 5.1 mg/kg. The 4 equines that ingested moxidectin between 0.9 mg/kg to 1.7 mg/kg did not show signs of toxicosis. Clinical signs were seen within 6-22 h and lasted for 36-168 h. Only 1/5 clinical equines was an adult, the others were < 4 month of age. This study supports earlier report that young foals are more susceptible to moxidectin toxicosis. All 4 equines with known outcomes recovered with treatment that included decontamination, seizure control, thermoregulation, fluid therapy, and supportive care.
Publication Date: 2002-07-26 PubMed ID: 12136974 The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research carried out is a review of cases where horses have been overdosed with moxidectin, a drug used to treat parasitic infections, between 1998 and 2000. The paper discusses the symptoms observed in the affected horses, the dosage they received that led to toxicosis, and the treatment administered.
Moxidectin Overdose in Equines Overview
The paper takes a look at nine cases of moxidectin overdose in horses. These horses exhibited signs of toxicosis, including coma, dyspnea (difficulty in breathing), depression, ataxia (lack of muscle control), tremors, seizures, and weakness. The report indicated that these symptoms manifested in horses that ingested moxidectin in the range of 1.0 mg/kg to 5.1 mg/kg.
Contrarily, four horses who consumed the drug at a dosage between 0.9 mg/kg and 1.7 mg/kg did not show signs of toxicosis. The symptomatic reactions were seen within 6 to 22 hours and lasted for 36 to 168 hours. Out of all affected horses, only one was an adult, while the rest were less than four months old.
Young Horses More Susceptible to Moxidectin Toxicosis
From the research data analyzed, further evidence was gathered to support existing research that young foals are more susceptible to moxidectin toxicosis.
- Out of the five horses who exhibited signs of toxicosis, only one was an adult.
- The others were less than four months old, indicating a higher sensitivity to the drug compared to adult horses.
Treatment of Moxidectin Toxicosis
Regarding the management of moxidectin toxicosis in horses, the research pointed out a series of steps which were employed in treating the affected horses. These included:
- Decontamination, which usually involves removing the foreign substance from the body.
- Seizure control to manage tremors and seizures triggered by the toxicity.
- Thermoregulation, which is essential in maintaining normal body temperature during this crisis.
- Fluid therapy, necessary for rehydration and replenishing lost fluids.
- Supportive care to maintain, as much as possible, the horse’s comfort and ensure that it is receiving adequate nutrients and rest.
And importantly, all four equines with known outcomes successfully recovered after undergoing the treatment outlined.
Cite This Article
APA
Khan SA, Kuster DA, Hansen SR.
(2002).
A review of moxidectin overdose cases in equines from 1998 through 2000.
Vet Hum Toxicol, 44(4), 232-235.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / poisoning
- Antinematodal Agents / administration & dosage
- Antinematodal Agents / poisoning
- Coma / chemically induced
- Coma / veterinary
- Drug Overdose / veterinary
- Dyspnea / chemically induced
- Dyspnea / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses
- Macrolides
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Seizures / chemically induced
- Seizures / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Le Sommer S, Sun Y, Legler L, Nelson K, Coon L, Bohler D, Kontaridis MI. Detection and Eradication of a Demodex Infestation in Specific Pathogen-free High-barrier Laboratory Mouse Facility Housing Immunocompromised Animals. J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2024 Jun 22;63(5):521-9.
- Mounsey K, Harvey RJ, Wilkinson V, Takano K, Old J, Stannard H, Wicker L, Phalen D, Carver S. Drug dose and animal welfare: important considerations in the treatment of wildlife. Parasitol Res 2022 Mar;121(3):1065-1071.
- Lee VK, Tiwary AK, Sharma-Reddy P, Lieber KA, Taylor DK, Mook DM. Moxidectin toxicity in senescence-accelerated prone and resistant mice. Comp Med 2009 Jun;59(3):227-33.
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