Glossitis and tongue trauma subsequent to administration of an oral medication, using an udder infusion cannula, in a horse.

This research article explores a case where a horse’s tongue swelled up and appeared to be punctured after being administered oral medication using an udder infusion cannula. The paper concludes with a recommendation against using this method for administering oral medication to horses.

Research Objective and Case Presentation

• The study pertains to the case of a 10-year-old gelding (a castrated male horse) that developed a swollen tongue following the oral administration of a drug named oxfendazole. The medicine was delivered using an udder infusion cannula—which is typically used for administering medication into a cow’s udder—and appeared to inadvertently puncture the horse’s tongue.

Observations and Treatment

• The swelling of the tongue was observed to occur immediately following the administration of the medication. This suggested that the method of administration—using the udder infusion cannula—had led to this adverse event.
• To alleviate the condition and heal the horse, a treatment regimen comprising of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs was administered. Over time, this treatment led to the horse’s recovery.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• In light of the incident, the researchers recommended against the use of an udder infusion cannula for the oral administration of medication in horses. This caution is due to the complications observed in this case, where the tongue appeared to have been accidentally punctured, leading to swellings, possible pain and discomfort for the horse, and potential complications in its diet intake.
• The researchers emphasize the need for applying vet-approved tools and techniques for administering medication to animals, thereby reducing chances of such mishaps.