Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Datura seed intoxication in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
- Year:
- 1998
- Authors:
- Schulman, M L & Bolton, L A
- Affiliation:
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses became very sick after eating a feed supplement that was contaminated with Datura seeds, which are toxic. One horse died suddenly due to severe stomach swelling and rupture, while the second horse developed a serious condition that caused a blockage in the intestines and ultimately had to be put to sleep. Tests of the feed and the horses' stomach contents showed a lot of Datura seeds. The symptoms and findings in both horses matched what is expected from poisoning by the toxic substances found in Datura. Unfortunately, the treatment did not save either horse.
Abstract
A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9646259/