Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Magnesium toxicosis in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1997
- Authors:
- Henninger, R W & Horst, J
- Affiliation:
- Penn Paddock Equine Center · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Two horses experienced magnesium toxicosis, which is a condition caused by having too much magnesium in their bodies. This can happen when they receive too much magnesium sulfate, a laxative used to treat blockages in their intestines, especially if they have kidney problems or low calcium levels. The treatment involved giving them fluids to help them urinate and intravenous calcium to counteract the effects of the excess magnesium. The outcome of this treatment was not specified, but it suggests that these methods can be effective in managing magnesium toxicosis in horses.
Abstract
Magnesium sulfate, a saline laxative, is often used for treatment of intestinal impactions in horses. Clinical signs of hypermagnesemia are an uncommon complication following oral administration of magnesium sulfate. Overdose of magnesium sulfate in combination with renal insufficiency, hypocalcemia, or compromise of intestinal integrity may predispose horses to magnesium toxicosis. Establishment of diuresis with fluids and IV administration of calcium may provide successful treatment of magnesium toxicosis in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9215418/