Neurotoxicosis in horses associated with consumption of Trema micrantha.

The study discusses and analyzes the negative impact of horses consuming the leaves from the Trema micrantha tree, with particular focus on resultant neurotoxicosis, marked by malacia and hemorrhages in the central nervous system.

Problem Lighting

• The central issue studied in this article is the toxicological problems that ensue for horses when they consume leaves of the Trema micrantha tree – which are appealing to them yet harmful.
• The negative impact on the health of the horses typically results in hepatic necrosis and encephalopathy, according to prior studies, but this particular investigation focuses primarily on the cases where horses developed a hemorrhage and malacia in the central nervous system (CNS), with little to no hepatic lesions.

Objective and Methods

• The aim of this research is to describe malacia (softening of tissues in the body) and haemorrhage (bleeding or blood spills in the body) in the horses’ CNS owing to the consumption of T. micrantha leaves.
• In the methodology, a retrospective case study approach is used where 14 horses with a history of neurological signs and consumption of T. micrantha leaves were analyzed. Information about their past clinical history and signs was obtained through inquiries with their owners and veterinarians. Samples were taken for histopathology during necropsy.

Research Findings

• The study found that all 14 horses displayed neurological signs like severe sialorrhoea (drooling), ataxia (lack of muscle control or coordination), involuntary running, sternal and lateral recumbency (lying on their sternum or side), and death anywhere between 24 hours and 9 days after the initial onset of symptoms.
• All the horses had consumed potentially toxic doses of T. micrantha leaves for a few days before the symptoms started appearing. Major lesions observed were mostly in the pons, part of the brain. Lesions were also found on the spinal cord.

Interpretation and Conclusion

• This study establishes that T. micrantha poisoning in horses primarily results in neurological disease, with few or no hepatic lesions. The mechanism of how the plant toxin affects the CNS remains unclear.
• Despite its size, this study shares an invaluable understanding of the effects of T. micrantha on horses which can be significant for helping prevent further cases. Veterinarians and horse owners can use these findings to avoid feeding horses with leaves of this tree.