Retrospective Study of 25 Cases of Acorn Intoxication Colitis in Horses between 2011 and 2018 and Factors Associated with Non-Survival.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to describe clinical data associated with acorn intoxication and to find variables associated with survival. Data from horses presented at CISCO-ONIRIS from 2011 to 2018 with a diagnosis of acorn intoxication were included. Diagnosis was based on the following: season, the presence of acorns in the environment, clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters suggestive of a digestive/renal disease, the co-morbidity of companion animals, and post-mortem findings. Statistical analysis was completed using Student's t-test for mean comparisons and a Chi-square test for group comparisons ( < 0.05). A total of 25 horses were included, and seasonality suggests that the intoxication may vary from year to year. Clinical signs associated with acorn intoxication were signs of circulatory shock (lethargy, tachycardia, abnormal mucous membrane, tachypnea), digestive signs (diarrhea, ileus, colic), and abnormal temperature. Clinical pathological findings included increased hematocrit, WBC, creatinine, BUN, GGT, AST, CK and decreased albumin. Overall, 44% (11/25) of horses survived. The majority (13/14) of non-survivors died, or were euthanized, during the first 48 h. Findings significantly associated with non-survival were age, heart rate, hemorrhagic diarrhea, ileus, hematocrit, creatinine, blood lactate, and thickness of the colon wall at ultrasonography. This study provides equine practitioners with valuable prognostic information in cases of acorn intoxication.
Publication Date: 2024-02-12 PubMed ID: 38396567PubMed Central: PMC10886181DOI: 10.3390/ani14040599Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study focuses on evaluating the clinical features and severity of acorn poisoning in horses, by analyzing 25 cases between 2011 and 2018, to identify factors that influence survival rates.
Study Methodology
This study involved an evaluation of data related to cases of acorn intoxication brought to the CISCO-ONIRIS clinic between 2011 and 2018. The key elements of the methodology included:
- Criteria for diagnosing acorn intoxication were based on several factors, including the season, the presence of acorns in the horse’s environment, blood and biochemical findings indicative of digestive or renal disease, the presence of similar symptoms in companion animals (co-morbidity), and post-mortem observations.
- A statistical approach was used to analyze averages (t-tests) and categorize the results into distinct groups (Chi-square tests) with a chosen significance of less than 0.05.
Results and Findings
The results showed that acorn poisoning in horses often exhibits symptoms such as lethargy, rapid heartbeat, abnormal mucous membrane, rapid breathing, digestive issues (e.g., diarrhea, ileus, colic), abnormal temperature, and variations in blood parameters. The findings brought forth from the study include:
- A total of 25 horses were studied, out of which 44% (11/25) survived. Most of the deaths occurred within the first 48 hours.
- The incidence of acorn intoxication showed a seasonal trend, indicating a variable year-to-year pattern.
- The study noted an increase in certain blood parameters (hematocrit, WBC, creatinine, BUN, GGT, AST, CK) and a decreased level of albumin.
- The non-surviving horses were significantly associated with factors like age, heart rate, hemorrhagic diarrhea, ileus, levels of creatinine, blood lactate, hematocrit, and thickness of the colon wall observed in ultrasonography.
Implications for Equine Practitioners
The study is invaluable for veterinarians and equine practitioners as it provides key insights into the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and prognostic factors associated with acorn intoxication in horses. By identifying factors linked to survival, it can aid practitioners in making more informed decisions when diagnosing and treating horses affected by acorn intoxication. This, in turn, could potentially improve survival rates and promote effective management strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Hermange T, Ruault B, Couroucé A.
(2024).
Retrospective Study of 25 Cases of Acorn Intoxication Colitis in Horses between 2011 and 2018 and Factors Associated with Non-Survival.
Animals (Basel), 14(4), 599.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040599 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Unité de Nutrition, PhysioPathologie et Pharmacologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agro-Alimentaire et de L'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Université Bretagne Loire, 44307 Nantes, France.
- Unité de Nutrition, PhysioPathologie et Pharmacologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agro-Alimentaire et de L'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Université Bretagne Loire, 44307 Nantes, France.
- Unité de Nutrition, PhysioPathologie et Pharmacologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agro-Alimentaire et de L'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Université Bretagne Loire, 44307 Nantes, France.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
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