Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bilateral laryngeal paralysis in the horse.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1985
- Authors:
- Duncan, I D & Brook, D
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Four two-year-old Thoroughbred horses became very sick with gastrointestinal issues after being given mineral oil that was likely contaminated with a harmful chemical called organophosphate. About three weeks later, all four horses started having trouble breathing, and a closer examination revealed they had developed a condition called bilateral laryngeal paralysis, which affects their ability to breathe properly. Sadly, two of the horses died several months later during severe breathing difficulties, and the third was euthanized shortly after. Tests showed significant damage to the nerves controlling the larynx, particularly on the left side, and some nerve damage was also found in other areas. The findings suggest that the horses' symptoms and later neurological problems were likely caused by accidental poisoning from the organophosphate.
Abstract
Four two-year-old Thoroughbreds suffered an acute gastrointestinal illness shortly after dosing with mineral oil which was thought to have been contaminated with an organophosphate compound. Three weeks later all four were noted to be dyspnoeic and endoscopic examination showed that they had developed bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Two of the horses died during severe bouts of dyspnoea six and eight months later and the third was killed shortly thereafter. Examination of the left and right recurrent laryngeal nerves from these horses showed a severe loss of myelinated fibres distally, especially in the left nerve. A similar but less severe lesion was seen in other long peripheral nerves, including the phrenic and digital nerves of the third horse. The spinal cord in two horses showed evidence of mild axonal degeneration which was not related to a particular tract or location. The fourth horse had bilateral laryngeal paralysis two years later. The acute clinical signs and delayed neurological sequelae seen in these horses were strongly suggestive of accidental organophosphate toxicity.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4076131/