What Happens If A Horse Eats A Blister Beetle?

If a horse consumes blister beetle contaminated hay they often experience irritation (blisters) in their mouth and throughout their gastrointestinal tract. The cantharidin is excreted through the kidneys and is very irritating to the urinary system.

How would a horse get cantharidin poisoning?

Cantharidin toxicosis in horses has become an increasing problem in certain regions of the United States. Toxicosis occurs when horses ingest alfalfa hay or products that are contaminated with “blister” beetles.

Is cantharidin a poison?

Cantharidin is a poisonous substance secreted by blister beetles, including the ‘Spanish fly’. Historically, cantharidin was used as an aphrodisiac, vesicant and abortifacient. Symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal and genitourinary mucosal irritation along with renal dysfunction.

How can you tell a blister beetle?

Most blister beetles have an elongate, cylindrical abdomen, but some look very different. A few species have rounded “ball-like” abdomen or short wings and a larva-form abdomen. All blister beetles, however, have the distinctive narrow “neck” which contrasts with the broader head and abdomen.

Does Arizona alfalfa have blister beetles?

They feed on many plants, often preferring those in flower. The Spotted Blister Beetle (Epicauta pardalis) has been found in baled alfalfa. Lytta magister was unusually abundant in 2019 and strayed from its favorite adult host, the brittlebush (Encelia spp.), to local iceberg lettuce in isolated cases (Fig 5a).

Is cantharidin fatal to horses?

When horses ingest the cantharidin toxin through hay or alfalfa contaminated with “blister” beetles, the outcome is often fatal. Toxicosis occurs rapidly; as little as four grams of dried beetles may contain fatal levels of cantharidin.

What are the signs of poisoning in a horse?

Symptoms of poisoning in horses may include:

• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhoea.
• Straining.
• Rectal prolapse.
• Weight loss.
• Restlessness.
• Unsteadiness.

What is the antidote for cantharidin poisoning in horses?

There is no antidote for cantharidin toxicosis. Treatment is focused on restoring fluid volume and electrolyte concentrations, particularly calcium and magnesium; managing pain; and enhancing elimination of cantharidin.

How toxic are blister beetles?

Blister beetles excrete a toxic blistering agent called cantharidin, which can cause irritation and blistering when it comes in contact with the eyes, skin, mouth, throat, or digestive tract. The irritation and blisters that form can be painful but usually are not life-threatening.

Is cantharidin toxic to animals?

The toxicity of cantharidin does not decrease in stored hay, and cantharidin is also toxic to people, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, cattle, sheep, and goats. The severity of signs associated with cantharidin poisoning varies according to dose.

Are blister beetles harmful to livestock?

“Blister beetles produce a poison called cantharidin, which is toxic to people and livestock, especially horses, but cattle and sheep also can be poisoned,” Knodel says. “Cantharidin oil is released when beetles are crushed, and even dead beetles have high levels of the toxin.”

Can you test hay for blister beetles?

Detecting blister beetles in hay is practically impossible because the beetles tend to swarm. This means that only a few bales or parts of bales from an entire field may be infested. Beetles are very difficult to spot in bales. You may be able to see some dead, crushed beetles in small square bales.

What animals eat blister beetles?

There are no known predators or parasites that effectively control blister beetles. Blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa. Therefore, to reduce the incidence of blister beetles in alfalfa, cut hay before peak bloom.

Are blister beetles in hay?

While it is possible for blister beetles to be present within grass hay, it is much more common for blister beetles to be found in alfalfa hay as alfalfa blossoms can serve as a food source for the adult blister beetles.

How do you get rid of blister beetles in hay?

Best product. for Blister Beetles
Cantharidin is so effective at destroying tissue that it’s used in wart removal products. Cantharidin is toxic if swallowed. It persists in dead beetles long after the hay they infested has been dried and baled.

Can you spray blister beetles in hay?

Insecticide applications are not recommended, as this kills the beetles but does not remove them from the hay. Dead blister beetles still remain toxic, and spraying may end up increasing the number of beetles per bale.

What is the most damaging parasite to horses?

Large Strongyles
Large Strongyles Large strongyles, otherwise known as bloodworms, are parasites known to be the most destructive and deadly of all equine parasites. As immature larvae migrate through the horse’s blood vessels, they begin to destroy arterial walls, block or rupture blood vessels, damage circulation, organs and tissues.

What is the most toxic plant to horses?

Nine poisonous plants horses should avoid

• Ragwort. While ragwort has a bitter taste and is rarely eaten by horses when it is growing, when it is wilted or dried it becomes more palatable.
• Foxglove.
• Deadly nightshade.
• Buttercups.
• Acorns.
• Yew.
• Privet.
• Rhododendron.

Can cantharidin be safely consumed?

When ingested by humans, the LD ₅₀ is around 0.5 mg/kg, with a dose of as little as 10 mg being potentially fatal. Ingesting cantharidin can initially cause severe damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, and may also cause permanent renal damage.

What do you give a poisoned horse?

Give a charcoal slurry via stomach tube to absorb chemicals remaining in the stomach and intestines. The slurry should consist of a pound of activated charcoal mixed with 2 quarts of water for an adult horse. For a foal, mix 1/2 pound of activated charcoal with 1 quart of water.

How long does it take for a horse to show signs of botulism?

These clinical signs can occur within several hours or up to 7-10 days post ingestion of the contaminated feed. Horses can get botulism in any of three ways.