Toxic effects of lasalocid in horses.

The research article is a toxicological study that investigates the lethal effects of varying doses of lasalocid and monensin on horses.

Research Methodology

• The gist of this research study revolves around experimenting different dosages of a drug named lasalocid on horses, with ranging doses between 5 to 30 mg/kg of the horse’s body weight. The doses were given in a calculated sequence that followed a specific pattern – escalating the dose, observing the impacts, and then providing ample ‘washout’ time before administering the next dose. The same procedure was implemented with another drug called monensin, given in doses of 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg of body weight.

Observations and Findings

• The administration of lasalocid led to deaths in horses at various dosage levels, including 15, 21, 22, and 26 mg/kg. Similarly, monensin caused deaths at dosage levels of 2 and 3 mg/kg. Based on these findings, it was estimated that the lethal dosage (LD50) of lasalocid for horses is around 21.5 mg/kg.
• Several side effects were observed in the horses following the administration of either drug. These included progressive signs of toxicosis, such as depression, poor coordination or ataxia, weakening of muscles or paresis, partial paralysis, and reduced eating (partial anorexia). Horses administered with monensin demonstrated intermittent profuse sweating before death.

Conclusion of the Study

• The conclusion drawn from this study primarily reveals the toxic and fatal effects of lasalocid and monensin on horses, even at relatively low dosages. Accordingly, these drugs should be administered with high caution in horses, and possibly avoided altogether.