Etiologic agents, incidence, and improved diagnostic methods of cantharidin toxicosis in horses.

This research studied different sources of cantharidin toxicosis in horses and developed improved methods for detecting the toxicosis. Over a period of two years, 53 cases of cantharidin toxicosis were confirmed in horses, with the highest incidents occurring during late summer and early fall.

Sources of Cantharidin Toxicosis

• The research identified various sources of cantharidin toxicosis in horses, which is usually caused by ingestion of blister beetles. These include E albida, E attrivittata and the already identified E pardalis and E pennsylvanica, in addition to the 3-striped blister beetles (Epicauta temexa and E occidentalis).

Improved Diagnostic Methods

• The study also introduced improved diagnostic methods for cantharidin toxicosis. The new method involves partially purifying urine and gastric content extracts using silica cartridges. This is then followed by analysis using capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
• This enhanced diagnostic technique allowed for more accurate detection and measurement of cantharidin concentrations in horse urine and gastric contents. The concentrations of cantharidin identified in the study ranged from 0.0003 to 3.50 micrograms/g.

Incidence of Cantharidin Toxicosis

• The research was conducted over a period of 26 months, during which 53 episodes of cantharidin toxicosis in horses were confirmed at the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
• The study found that incidences of cantharidin toxicosis peaked during late summer and early fall. This suggests a seasonal pattern and could potentially be linked to beetle activity during these periods.