Retrospective Study of 25 Cases of Acorn Intoxication Colitis in Horses between 2011 and 2018 and Factors Associated with Non-Survival.
Authors: Hermange Tanguy, Ruault Basile, Couroucé Anne
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Acorn intoxication in horses presents as acute colitis with multi-system involvement, yet little published evidence describes its clinical progression and prognostic indicators. Between 2011 and 2018, researchers retrospectively analysed 25 cases diagnosed at a French referral hospital, identifying cases through seasonal and environmental context, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities consistent with gastrointestinal and renal disease, and post-mortem findings where available. Survival occurred in 44% of cases, with the critical window being the first 48 hours—87% of non-survivors died or were euthanised within this period. Advanced age, elevated heart rate and blood lactate, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, ileus, raised hematocrit and creatinine, and increased colon wall thickness on ultrasound examination were significantly associated with fatal outcomes. For equine practitioners, these findings provide concrete prognostic markers to guide treatment intensity and owner discussions early in the disease course, whilst highlighting that aggressive fluid therapy, renal support, and gastric motility management initiated promptly offer the best chance of survival in this potentially devastating condition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Acorn intoxication is a rapidly progressive condition with high mortality (56%); immediate assessment of prognostic factors is critical as most non-survivors deteriorate within 48 hours
- •Monitor for key warning signs including hemorrhagic diarrhea, ileus, elevated heart rate, elevated creatinine and blood lactate; these indicate poor prognosis requiring aggressive supportive care or early euthanasia decisions
- •Ultrasonography of the colon and assessment of colon wall thickness can help guide prognostic counseling and treatment decisions in suspected acorn intoxication cases
Key Findings
- •44% (11/25) of horses survived acorn intoxication; 93% of non-survivors died or were euthanized within 48 hours
- •Clinical signs included circulatory shock (lethargy, tachycardia, abnormal mucous membranes, tachypnea), digestive signs (diarrhea, ileus, colic), and abnormal temperature
- •Laboratory findings included increased hematocrit, WBC, creatinine, BUN, GGT, AST, CK and decreased albumin, indicating multi-organ involvement
- •Age, heart rate, hemorrhagic diarrhea, ileus, hematocrit, creatinine, blood lactate, and colon wall thickness at ultrasonography were significantly associated with non-survival