How Do You Diagnose Cantharidin Poisoning In A Horse?

Diagnostic guidance: Cantharidin poisoning in horses

1. Abdominal pain, resulting in anorexia.
2. Depression and sweating.
3. Frequent attempts to drink water, submerge the muzzle.
4. Blood-tinged urine or urine with blood clots.
5. Dark, congested mucous membranes.
6. Increased heart and respiratory rates.
7. Increased rectal temperature.

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.

What is the antidote for cantharidin poisoning?

Priapism, seizures and cardiac abnormalities are less commonly seen [5]. There is no specific antidote for cantharidin. The management is supportive, including IV fluid at maintenance rate and correction of electrolyte and blood gas abnormalities.

What beetle does cantharidin come from?

Cantharidin is a toxin extracted from coleoptera beetles, commonly known as ‘Spanish fly’, and is used as an aphrodisiac, a vesicant, or as an abortifacient.

How do you diagnose blister beetle poisoning?

Signs of exposure and toxicity include dunking their mouth into the water source, reduced eating, abdominal pain (colic), stretching out to urinate, frequent attempts to urinate and overall lethargic attitude.

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 happens if you leave cantharidin on too long?

If you do not remove the tape and chemical at the 8 hour point further blistering will occur which could lead to scaring.

How long does cantharidin take to heal?

Topical cantharidin treatment causes formation of blisters within 24 to 48 hours. Healing is complete 4 to 7 days after application. The degree of blistering is controlled by instructing the patient to wash the treated site with soap and water after a specified length of time, usually in the range of 2 to 6 hours.

How do you treat cantharidin blisters?

DO NOT REMOVE THE BLISTER on purpose. If necessary, make a small hole in the blister using a sterile needle (can dip a pin or seeing needle in rubbing alcohol and wipe dry) and squeeze the fluid out by gently pressing on the blister with clean hands.

What is blister beetle toxicity in horses?

Blister beetles contain a toxic oily substance called cantharidin, a noxious defense mechanism that offers protection from predators. Cantharidin can severely injure or kill horses when even a small amount is ingested.

Can you test for blister beetles in hay?

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.

What do you do after beetle juice treatment?

There may be some throbbing or discomfort. If you have any pain, take Extra-Strength Tylenol. You may also elevate the area or apply cool water compresses to help relieve the discomfort. Within a few hours to a couple of days, you can expect the area treated to become red, swollen and moist.

How do you treat blister beetle poisoning in horses?

Activated charcoal and mineral oil may be administered through a nasogastric tube by your veterinarian to help evacuate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and delay potential absorption. Gastric protectants may decrease gastrointestinal discomfort and colic. Antibiotics are mainly prophylactic (preventive).

Are blister beetles only in alfalfa?

Adult blister beetles can feed on alfalfa blossoms and many other plants³. 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.

What stage do blister beetles cause damage?

What caused it? Damage is caused by the adult blister beetle which primarily feed on flowers and have minimal economic importance. The adults may also feed on soybean flowers, young pods or tender stems although these parts are not commonly injured.

How do you check for poisoning?

Most poisons can be detected in your blood or urine. Your doctor may order a toxicology screen. This checks for common drugs using a urine or saliva sample.

What are 3 signs that might indicate to you that a horse might be suffering from illness?

Signs of poor health and horses

• change in appetite or drinking habits.
• change in droppings or signs of diarrhoea.
• change in demeanour or behaviour.
• change in weight (either increase or decrease)
• change in coat/foot condition.

What are some signs a horse may show when they have a severe internal parasite infestation?

The signs of parasitism are common among different parasites infecting the horse and include:

• Weight loss.
• Dull, rough hair coat.
• Potbelly.
• Decreased stamina or lethargy.
• Coughing.
• Diarrhea.
• Colic.
• Tail rubbing.

What happens if you don’t wash cantharidin off?

Remember to wash the cantharidin off. Dr. Khoza will tell you at what time you need to remove the tape and wash your treated areas with soap and water. If you forget, it will keep blistering, don’t wait until you feel a painful reminder.

How do you know if cantharidin worked?

Cantharidin is a vesicant that causes a blister to form on the wart or growth. This action lifts the wart off the skin and after a few days when the blister has dried the wart will come off.

Can I buy cantharidin over the counter?

This medication requires a prescription.