Fatal propylene glycol toxicosis in a horse.
Abstract: Toxicosis attributable to propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) was suspected in an 8-year-old 450- to 500-kg male Quarter Horse. Clinical signs of toxicosis developed within 15 minutes of the accidental iatrogenic oral administration of 3.8 L of propylene glycol. Clinical signs of toxicosis included salivation, sweating, ataxia, and signs of pain. Additionally, at 24 hours after propylene glycol ingestion, the horse became increasingly atactic, had an abnormal breath odor, developed rapid shallow breathing, and was cyanotic. The horse died of apparent respiratory arrest 28 hours after the propylene glycol ingestion. Analysis of serum and combined urine and blood from the kidneys confirmed the presence of propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is used for the treatment and prevention of bovine ketosis, and is similar in appearance to mineral oil. The accidental administration of propylene glycol to horses may result in fatal poisoning.
Publication Date: 1991-05-01 PubMed ID: 2061183
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Summary
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The research article discusses a case where a horse died due to accidental consumption of an excessive dose of propylene glycol, a substance used for treating bovine ketosis, highlighting the risks of mistakenly administering this compound to horses.
About Propylene Glycol Toxicosis
- Propylene glycol toxicosis is a condition characterized by negative physiological responses to the presence of propylene glycol, a substance used for treating and preventing bovine ketosis.
- In this research, a male Quarter Horse weighing between 450-500kg displayed signs of toxicosis within 15 minutes of ingesting a large quantity (3.8 liters) of propylene glycol.
- Clinical signs included salivation, sweating, ataxia (lack of muscle control), and signs of pain.
Progression of Clinical Signs and Death
- 24 hours after ingestion, the horse’s condition worsened. It displayed increased ataxia, abnormal breath odor, rapid shallow breathing, and was cyanotic (showed signs of poor oxygen levels in the blood).
- The horse ultimately died from apparent respiratory arrest 28 hours after consuming the propylene glycol.
- Postmortem tests confirmed the presence of propylene glycol in serum and a urine-blood mix from the kidneys.
Risks of Accidental Administration of Propylene Glycol to Horses
- The paper emphasizes the risks of mistakenly administering propylene glycol to horses, as it bears a visual similarity to mineral oil.
- The result of such accidental administration can lead to fatal poisoning in horses.
- Therefore, the research underscores the importance of proper identification and administration of substances to animals in a veterinary setting to prevent such deadly incidents.
Cite This Article
APA
Dorman DC, Haschek WM.
(1991).
Fatal propylene glycol toxicosis in a horse.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 198(9), 1643-1644.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses
- Iatrogenic Disease / veterinary
- Male
- Propylene Glycol
- Propylene Glycols / poisoning
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Thomazini VC, da Cunha GM, Guimarães NM, Saleme SD, de Melo RCG, de Paula GA, Carvalho SG, Chorilli M, Dos Santos Giuberti C, Villanova JCO. Impact of concerning excipients on animal safety: insights for veterinary pharmacotherapy and regulatory considerations. Daru 2024 Jun;32(1):289-305.
- Bertram HC, Petersen BO, Duus JØ, Larsen M, Raun BM, Kristensen NB. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy based investigation on propylene glycol toxicosis in a Holstein cow. Acta Vet Scand 2009 Jun 13;51(1):25.
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