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Evaluation of monensin toxicity in the horse.
Abstract: Gelded horses of mixed breeding, ranging in weight between 360 and 455 kg, were fed pellets that contained monensin at concentrations of 279, 124, 31, and 0 ppm. Of 2 horses fed 279 ppm (253 g/T), both died. Of 3 horses fed 125 ppm (113 g/T), 1 died; feed intake was reduced in the 2 survivors. Of 3 horses fed 31 ppm (28 g/T), 1 had a transitory reduction in feed intake and the other 2 remained clinically normal. The 2 horses fed 0 ppm remained clinically normal. Monensin was also given to horses by gavage, at dosages of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 20 mg/kg of body weight. The LD50 was estimated to be between 2 and 3 mg/kg of body weight. The signs of toxicosis were partial to complete anorexia, ataxia, and intermittent profuse sweating.
Publication Date: 1976-11-15 PubMed ID: 977440 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.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The study evaluated the toxicity of a substance called monensin in gelded horses of mixed breeding. The findings indicated that monensin can be potentially fatal for horses depending on the dose administered, with visible signs of toxicosis like reduced food intake, imbalance, and excessive sweating.
Methodology
- The study involved gelded horses of mixed breeding with weights ranging from 360 to 455 kg.
- These horses were fed pellets containing monensin at concentrations of 279 ppm (parts per million), 124 ppm, 31 ppm, and 0 ppm.
- Monensin was also orally administered (via gavage) to horses at doses of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 20 mg/kg of body weight.
Findings
- Of the two horses fed with 279 ppm of monensin, both died, suggesting high toxicity at this dose.
- At a dose of 124 ppm, one out of three horses died, and the remaining two showed reduced feed intake.
- At a dose of 31 ppm, only one horse displayed a temporary reduction in feed intake while the other two remained clinically normal.
- The horses that were not given monensin (0 ppm) remained clinically normal.
- Upon administration of monensin via gavage, the lethal dose killing 50% of the population (LD50) was estimated to be between 2 and 3 mg/kg of body weight.
Signs of Toxicosis
- Horses that showed signs of monensin toxicosis presented with partial to complete anorexia (loss of appetite), ataxia (loss of control of body movements), and intermittent profuse sweating.
Implications
- The findings from this research indicate the potential dangers of monensin exposure in horses. The substance can be fatal depending on the dose administered and causes a series of health issues even at lower doses.
- This research emphasizes the need for careful control of the use and exposure levels of monensin in feed and the environment where horses are kept.
Cite This Article
APA
Matsuoka T.
(1976).
Evaluation of monensin toxicity in the horse.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 169(10), 1098-1100.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Ataxia / chemically induced
- Ataxia / veterinary
- Furans / toxicity
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses
- Male
- Monensin / toxicity
Citations
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- Flythe MD, Kagan IA, Wang Y, Narvaez N. Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Bitter Acids: Modulation of Rumen Fermentation and Potential As an Alternative Growth Promoter.. Front Vet Sci 2017;4:131.
- Deljou M, Aslani MR, Mohri M, Movassaghi AR, Heidarpour M. Clinical, laboratory and pathological findings in sub-acute monensin intoxication in goats.. Vet Res Forum 2014 Summer;5(3):161-7.
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- Wilson JS. Toxic myopathy in a dog associated with the presence of monensin in dry food.. Can Vet J 1980 Jan;21(1):30-1.
- Van Vleet JF, Ferrans VJ. Ultrastructural alterations in skeletal muscle of pigs with acute monensin myotoxicosis.. Am J Pathol 1984 Mar;114(3):461-71.
- Van Vleet JF, Ferrans VJ. Ultrastructural alterations in the atrial myocardium of pigs with acute monensin toxicosis.. Am J Pathol 1984 Mar;114(3):367-79.
- Van Vleet JF, Ferrans VJ. Myocardial diseases of animals.. Am J Pathol 1986 Jul;124(1):98-178.
- Mollenhauer HH, Morru00e9 DJ, Rowe LD. Alteration of intracellular traffic by monensin; mechanism, specificity and relationship to toxicity.. Biochim Biophys Acta 1990 May 7;1031(2):225-46.
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