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Mechanical ventilation in foals with botulism: 9 cases (1989-2002)
Pamela A Wilkins1, Jonathan E Palmer
1Graham French Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. pwilkins@vet.upenn.edu
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|October 8, 2003
Summary
Early mechanical ventilation significantly improves survival rates for foals suffering from "Shaker foal" disease (toxicoinfectious botulism), reducing mortality from respiratory failure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Shaker foal disease, or toxicoinfectious botulism, historically had a 90% mortality rate within 24-72 hours.
- While antitoxin improved survival, respiratory failure remained a significant cause of death in affected foals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of early mechanical ventilation as a treatment for toxicoinfectious botulism in foals.
- To assess the impact of mechanical ventilation on arterial blood gas abnormalities in foals with botulism.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted on 9 foals diagnosed with toxicoinfectious botulism.
- Early mechanical ventilation was implemented as part of the treatment protocol for these foals.
Main Results:
- Foals receiving mechanical ventilation exhibited progressive acidemia and elevated PaCO2 levels prior to intervention.
- Mechanical ventilation successfully ameliorated these arterial blood gas abnormalities.
- A survival rate of 87.5% was achieved in the treated foals (one was euthanized for economic reasons).
Conclusions:
- Early mechanical ventilation appears to be an effective therapeutic strategy for foals experiencing respiratory failure due to botulism.
- This intervention significantly improves outcomes and survival rates in cases of equine toxicoinfectious botulism.