Adverse effects of a proposed equine sublethal endotoxin model.

The research study aimed to evaluate the effects of administering commercially available Escherichia coli 055: B5 endotoxin to horses and determined that this substance at a dosage of 10 micrograms/kg is potentially dangerous for horses.

Experiment Procedure

• The study commenced with a theoretical proposition being tested on two horses. This proposition was an endooxic shock model, with the endotoxin chosen being a commercially available variant of Escherichia coli, specifically the 055: B5 lipopolysaccharide.
• This endotoxin was administered intravenously to both subject horses at a dosage of 10 micrograms per kilogram of horse weight. The application of dosage was experimental, aimed at understanding the potential adverse effects.

Monitoring Parameters

• Throughout the research study, several clinical and clinico-pathological parameters were carefully scrutinized on these horses to note any changes pre and post the endotoxin administration.
• Detailed records were kept of these parameters, including the level of lactate in the blood, which is a known indicator of several health issues in horses, including sepsis and shock.

Results and Conclusion

• Post the administration of the lipopolysaccharide endotoxin, both horses manifested a physical state consistent with that of a medically ‘hopeless prognosis’.
• For humane reasons, euthanasia was opted for, resulting in both subjects being put down approximately 6 hours after the administration of the endotoxin.
• The results indicated that the administered endotoxin incurred a lethal condition in the horses, suggesting that the decided dosage of 10 micrograms per kilogram was potentially fatal for equines, contradicting the initial ‘sublethal’ proposition of the study.