Acute fatal poisoning by spontaneous ingestion of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Mimosidae) pods in horses.

The research article reports an occurrence of acute poisoning in horses, caused by ingestion of Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods, in the state of Goiás, Brazil.

Introduction

• The article discusses a sudden outbreak of acute poisoning experienced by horses in the state of Goiás, Brazil, which consumed Enterolobium contortisiliquum pods.
• This is a significant incident as there have not been any previous cases reported of horses getting poisoned due to E. contortisiliquum.

Clinical Presentation and Findings

• Three horses displayed symptoms including lack of interest or enthusiasm (apathy), reduced appetite (hyporexia), extreme weakness and exhaustion (prostration), yellowing of the skin (jaundice), laying down due to weakness or illness (recumbency) and ultimately died within 24 to 48 hours.

Pathological Findings

• The primary pathological findings revealed in the horses were a yellowing liver with an enhanced lobular pattern.
• There were also instances of multifocal hepatic necrosis mostly situated in the midzones of the lobules, sometimes appearing randomly across the hepatic lobes.
• The hepatocytes, or liver cells, also exhibited swelling.

Distribution of E. contortisiliquum and Implications

• Despite E. contortisiliquum trees being widely distributed in South America, there have been no documented cases of poisoning in horses before this occurrence.
• This incident sheds new light on potential risks to animal health from plant species that were previously thought to be harmless.
• The knowledge and understanding gained from this outbreak could help in the prevention of similar incidents in the future through appropriate precautions and measures.