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Lead toxicosis in the horse: A review
Author(s) -
Puschner B.,
Aleman M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/j.0957-7734.2010.00127.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lead poisoning , weakness , lead (geology) , intensive care medicine , horse , chelation therapy , physical examination , signs and symptoms , lead exposure , vital signs , surgery , pathology , psychiatry , alternative medicine , cats , paleontology , geomorphology , biology , geology
Summary Lead intoxication is rarely diagnosed in horses and can present a major challenge to the equine practitioner because of the variety of clinical signs. Horses with lead poisoning can develop gastrointestinal disturbances, neurological abnormalities, haematological changes, or nonspecific signs of weight loss, weakness and rough hair coat, which makes early diagnosis difficult. Fortunately, lead analysis of whole blood is routinely available and can confirm intoxication. Because of the well‐described lead‐induced peripheral neuropathies in horses, a thorough neurological examination is essential in the investigation of a suspect case. Once diagnosed, the source of lead has to be identified and further exposure prevented. Intoxication can be treated by administering chelating drugs and providing symptomatic and supportive care.