[Salinomycin poisoning in a Polish stud horse].

The research article discusses a salinomycin poisoning case that affected 24 stud horses in Silesia, leading to severe health complications and fatalities.

Overview of the Study

• The study investigates an occurrence of salinomycin poisoning in 24 horses in Silesia, Poland. The horses consumed forage that was found to have a high concentration of salinomycin, a substance prepared inaccurately by the provider.
• All the horses involved in the study developed severe symptoms of intoxication after consuming approximately two to three kilograms of the tainted forage. A significant number of these horses did not survive despite receiving active treatment.

Clinical and Laboratory Examinations

• A series of clinical and laboratory examinations were conducted on the horses. They included a red blood cell count, haematocrit, and a concentration of haemoglobin.
• Additionally, researchers tested enzyme activities of ASAT, ALAT, and AP, along with levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and inorganic phosphor. Blood gas analyses were also executed on all horses.
• Results from the laboratory tests indicated extremely high enzyme levels and alkalosis as the most dominating findings. The horses experienced severe paralysis in their hind limbs, which was the most noticeable clinical change.

Outcome of the Study

• The outcome of the study was quite grim. Out of 24 horses, eight died within three to six days of onset despite receiving treatment. An additional ten horses became recumbent, unable to rise, and had to be euthanised.
• Only six horses from the original 24 managed to survive the poisoning episode, highlighting the severity of salinomycin poisoning and its fatal repercussions.