Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

08:50
A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
4.2K
Acute lead intoxication in a pregnant mare
K Kruger1, M N Saulez, J A Neser
1Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Equine Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|August 6, 2008
Summary
Acute lead (Pb) intoxication in horses can cause rapid, fatal neurological decline. This case highlights severe manic behavior and neurological deterioration in a mare due to ingested lead particles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Toxicology
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Lead (Pb) intoxication in horses typically presents as a chronic condition affecting the central nervous system.
- Acute presentations are less common but can lead to severe clinical outcomes.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old American Saddlebred mare exhibited acute, progressive neurological deterioration over four days.
- Clinical signs included headshaking, depression, and severe, uncontrollable manic behavior.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed three metallic particles in the gastrointestinal tract containing high levels of lead (2614 ppm).
- Post-mortem analysis showed elevated lead concentrations in the mare's brain (29 ppm), liver (4 ppm), stomach (6 ppm), and kidneys (2 ppm).
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for acute, severe neurological disease in horses due to ingested lead particles.
- Highlights the importance of considering acute lead poisoning in equine cases with rapid neurological decline.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of lead exposure in horses to prevent fatal outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Teratogenicity
3.9K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
3.9K
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
1.2K
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
1.2K
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
1.5K
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is...
1.5K

