Ethylene glycol toxicosis in 39 sport horses following ingestion of contaminated water: A case report.
Authors: Daradics Zs, Bungărdean D, Lupșan A F, Popescu M, Bulmez O, Ciulu-Angelescu V, Chelaru V F, Morar I, Mircean M, Cătoi C, Tripon M A, Crecan C M
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis in Sport Horses Ethylene glycol contamination of water supplies represents a significant but underrecognised risk to equine populations, with this outbreak involving 39 sport horses marking only the second documented case series in the species despite routine occurrence in companion animals. The attending veterinary team initiated ethanol antidote therapy approximately 24 hours post-exposure, employing both nasogastric and intravenous routes, with serial biochemical monitoring used to stratify severity and treatment intensity. All affected horses recovered, though five required hospitalisation; apathy predominated across the cohort, whilst more severely poisoned individuals manifested abdominal pain and laminitis—a particularly concerning complication given the performance demands of sport horses. Through sequential biochemical measurements, the clinicians identified markers capable of predicting which horses would require intensive care intervention, potentially allowing early triage decisions and allocation of resources in future incidents. This case series substantially expands the limited treatment literature available for equine practitioners and emphasises the importance of rapid ethanol administration and close monitoring of biochemical parameters, alongside vigilant water supply management to prevent such contamination events.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ethylene glycol toxicosis in horses presents primarily as apathy but can progress to laminitis and colic; maintain high suspicion if multiple horses show neurological signs after water access
- •Ethanol is an effective antidote for equine ethylene glycol poisoning and can be administered both via nasogastric tube and IV routes; early treatment initiation is critical
- •Biochemical monitoring at multiple timepoints helps identify which horses require intensive hospitalization, allowing for resource allocation in mass poisoning events
Key Findings
- •39 sport horses recovered from ethylene glycol toxicosis after ingestion of contaminated water, with treatment initiated approximately 24 hours post-exposure
- •Ethanol administered via nasogastric tube and intravenous perfusion proved effective as an antidote in horses
- •Clinical signs included apathy in all cases, with more severe cases developing abdominal pain and laminitis
- •Five horses required hospitalization; biochemical markers at different timepoints could determine early need for specialized care