The research investigated causes and effects of poisonings in horses due to dietary causes. The study highlighted that common sources of such poisonings could be mistakes in feed formulation or from feed made for other species. Ionophores and antibacterial agents were found to be particularly toxic to horses.

Causes of Feed-related Poisoning in Horses

• The study lists human errors in feed mixing and ingestion of feed created for other species as the most common causes of poisoning from man-made substances.
• Additionally, toxicity for horses can also arise naturally from certain types of fodder or feed ingredients.
• Two particularly toxic man-made components highlighted were ionophore feed additives and antibacterial agents.

Impacts of Ionophores and Antibacterials in Horse Diets

• Ionophores, when ingested by horses, can bring about changes linked with cardiac, muscular, and neurological tissues. The impact of these changes can range from clinical to clinicopathologic and pathologic.
• Furthermore, the immediate consequences of ionophore ingestion may cause long-term cardiac dysfunction, posing a significant health risk to the horses.
• The study also revealed that antibacterial agents have a detrimental effect on the microbial populations in the horse’s digestive system, which can lead to the release of bacterial toxins.
• These bacterial toxins cause damage to the intestinal lining (mucosa), which in turn can result in systemic effects—impacting the whole body.

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

• The authors emphasize the critical importance of accurate diagnosis in cases of feed-associated poisoning.
• Specifically, they advocate for the analysis of feed samples to identify potential toxins.
• Such an approach is necessary to identify the exact cause of the poisoning and thereby administer the correct treatment or preventive measures.