Catastrophic gastric rupture in a horse secondary to psyllium pharmacobezoars.

This research article reports on a case where a horse had to be euthanized due to gastric rupture caused by digestive blockages from consuming psyllium at four times the recommended dosage. The finding highlights the potential risk of gastric impaction in horses treated for colic with pelleted psyllium products.

Background

• The focus of this paper is a case study of a mare that was euthanized due to gastric rupture.
• The gastric rupture was secondary to complete obstruction of the duodenum by two bezoars, which are hard, indigestible masses of material accumulated in the digestive tract.
• The bezoars were located in the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the duodenum, and the proximal duodenum, the first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach.

Identification of Psyllium Bezoars

• The bezoars were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, a technique that uses the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine the composition of a sample.
• The spectroscopic analysis revealed that the bezoars were made of psyllium, a bulk-forming laxative used commonly in the treatment of constipation.
• It was used to treat the horse in pellet form, and the horse had been receiving treatment at four times the recommended dosage.

Conclusion and Implication

• The researchers concluded that veterinarians should be aware of the potential for bezoar formation and subsequent gastric impaction when treating colic in horses with pelleted psyllium products, particularly when used at excessive dosages.
• This case serves as a reminder to ensure the correct dosage of psyllium is administered and raises awareness of potential complications that may arise from incorrect usage.
• It also suggests further research and dialogue might be needed regarding the safety and dosing guidelines of psyllium for horses to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.