[Hypocalcemia in a four-week-old foal].

The research article abstract discusses the case of a 4-week old foal that showed symptoms of hypocalcemia likely due to consumption of a plant in the Rumex genus, and its subsequent successful treatment.

Case Details

• The case study revolves around a young foal that had consumed a plant from the genus Rumex. It’s from the family Polygonaceae, and its assimilation leads to the formation of oxalic acid.
• The foal presented typical symptoms of hypocalcemia, which include muscle rigidity and a stiff gait.
• Lab reports confirmed the hypocalcemia, with both total and ionized calcium concentrations in the foal’s body being low. The total calcium concentration was 1.38 mmol/l, and the ionized concentration was 0.54 mmol/l.

Treatment and Outcome

• The foal was treated intravenously with 150 ml of a 20% calcium solution in an effort to correct the hypocalcemia.
• Within a few hours after receiving the calcium solution, the foal’s neuromuscular signs had resolved. This indicates that the treatment was successful, and the foal was recovering from the hypocalcemia.

Implication

• This case study suggests that certain plants (like those in the genus Rumex) when consumed by foals could potentially lead to hypocalcemia via the production of oxalic acid.
• It also demonstrates successful treatment via intravenous administration of a calcium solution, leading to a quick recovery, further indicating the cause of the symptoms to be hypocalcemia.