Poisoning of Horses by a Local Application.

The research article discusses a case where eight horses were poisoned after having used crank case oil smeared over parts of their bodies. The oil, commonly used as a fly repellant, caused significant distress in the horses which led to the death of four of them.

Case History and Observation

• The horses were found to be in considerable distress after being smeared with the used crank case oil, a material commonly used in the area as a fly repellant.
• The horses had been put to work after the oil was applied, and within half an hour, they started showing signs of discomfort which was overlooked initially. Continued work for another half an hour led to visible illness and swellings appearing on the oil-applied areas of their bodies.
• The distressed horses were driven back to the farm where they were examined by professionals. Two horses were so adversely affected that they eventually died.
• The pulse rate of the horses was approximately 70, and they had a slightly elevated temperature of between 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Swellings, particularly at the back of the neck and on the rump, were observed.

Management and Treatment

• Once the distress of the horses was observed, they were quickly taken to a shady area, and the oil was washed off their bodies with soap and water.
• A suspension of sodium bicarbonate was applied to the affected skin surfaces, and sedatives were provided to the most distressed horses to alleviate their suffering.
• Despite these efforts, two more horses succumbed to the poisoning by the evening. However, the remaining four horses gradually improved and managed to recover.

Investigation of the Cause

• An examination of the crank case oil used on the horses revealed a layer of straw-colored fluid on its surface. The author suggested this could have been a distillate that leaked through, contributing to the adverse reaction in the horses.