What Is Blister Beetle Toxicity In Horses?

Cantharidin is the chemical found in blister beetles that causes the damage noticed by the owner and veterinarian. It is a contact irritant and a vesicant (causes blister formation). The tissues most often affected by cantharidin are gastrointestinal mucosa (including the mouth), renal or bladder and the heart muscle.

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 beetle poisoning?

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.

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.

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 does beetle do to humans?

When the bite happens, the beetle releases a chemical substance that can cause the skin to blister. The blister usually heals within a few days and causes no permanent damage. Stag beetles: They are black to dark-brown and have large mandibles.

What causes beetle infestation?

Homeowners may accidentally bring the pests into the house along with infested products. The search for shelter may also bring beetles indoors. Some of these pests overwinter in homes to avoid cold weather. They may enter the house through cracks in the foundation or gaps around door and window frames.

Does beetle carry disease?

Transmission of diseases may occur, however, if beetles carry fungal spores on or in the body; e.g., the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease is transmitted by the European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus.

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).

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.

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.

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 will be the first step in treatment of poisoning?

Wipe any vomit away from their mouth and keep their head pointing down, to allow any vomit to escape without them breathing it in or swallowing it. Do not give them anything to eat or drink. If the person is not breathing or their heart has stopped, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if you know how to.

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.

What problems do beetles cause?

Beetles are a common household pest that can be found throughout the US. They eat plants, small insects, and fibers from textiles and wood. Beetles cause an estimated $460 million in annual crop damage and can destroy clothing, your garden, or certain building materials.

Is beetle poisonous to humans?

Blister beetles, sometimes called acid flies, belongs to the Meloidae family of beetles that secretes toxic Cantharidin, which is harmful to humans and livestock.

Does beetle breathe through skin?

Instead of nostrils, insects breathe through openings in the thorax and abdomen called spiracles.

What smell keeps beetles away?

Peppermint. Peppermint essential oil might just be the holy grail of natural pest repellents to leave around your home’s entry points, as it can help keep away ticks, spiders, roaches, moths, flies, fleas, beetles, and ants.

Does white vinegar repel beetles?

Acetic acid makes vinegar an excellent tool for pest control, repelling some of the most common backyard nuisances and even killing weaker insects.

How do you know if you have a beetle infestation?

Leaves or Needles

1. The needles on conifer trees, like pines, begin to turn a reddish-brown color.
2. Some trees may slowly fade in color from green to brown.
3. Some trees may die within a few weeks of infestation, but may not show yellow-green, fading or red foliage for several months.

What are 2 common insects that can transmit parasitic infections?

They include some insects and arachnids, such as mosquitos, fleas, ticks, and mites. Parasitic infections can be spread in a number of ways. For example, protozoa and helminths can be spread through contaminated water, food, waste, soil, and blood.