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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why is cantharidin not FDA approved?

In 1962, cantharidin lost Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval owing to the failure of its manufacturers to submit data attesting to cantharidin’s efficacy.

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.

What are the side effects of cantharidin?

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Can I buy cantharidin over the counter?

This medication requires a prescription.

Are blister beetles poisonous to horses?

The blister beetle (Epicauta) is highly toxic to sheep and cattle, but primarily to horses. As little as four (4) to six (6) grams of blister beetles can be deadly to an 1100 lb. horse. Blister beetles swarm in alfalfa fields and are drawn into bales by accident.

Are blister beetles harmful to animals?

These beetles are also toxic to sheep, cattle, goats, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and humans. So, here is some basic information to help you understand more about the blister beetle and the risks to horses. Blister beetles contain a toxic chemical called cantharidin.

Is cantharidin FDA approved?

Although not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, cantharidin has been available through a variety of compounding sources without standardization of manufacturing, formulation, or method of application.

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 do you give a poisoned horse?

Lavage the stomach with large volumes of water to remove as much of the toxic substance as possible. 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.

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 is the number one killer in horses?

The number one killer of horses is colic. Colic is not a disease, but rather a combination of signs that alert us to abdominal pain in the horse. Colic can range from mild to severe, but it should never be ignored. Many of the conditions that cause colic can become life threatening in a relatively short period of time.

What plant makes horses crazy?

Poison hemlock contains potent neurotoxins that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems. Symptoms of poisoning can occur within 1 to 2 hours of consumption and include increased salivation, nervousness, muscle tremors, incoordination and increased respiratory and heart rates. A horse must consume 4 to 5 lbs.