Oleander toxicosis in equids: 30 cases (1995-2010)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Equine Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides.
• Oleander toxicosis is a significant concern in equids, potentially leading to severe clinical manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize clinical, laboratory, and necropsy findings in equids diagnosed with oleander toxicosis.
• To identify factors influencing the outcome and survival rates in affected horses.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series involving 30 equids.
• Analysis of medical records, including clinical signs, laboratory results, and necropsy findings.
• Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with survival.

Main Results:

• Fifty percent of equids died, with cardiac dysfunction being the most common cause of death.
• Common findings included gastrointestinal abnormalities (85.2%), azotemia (70.4%), and cardiac arrhythmias (66.7%).
• Survival odds were lower with cardiac arrhythmias and increased Hct/serum glucose, but improved with higher serum chloride and longer hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• Oleander toxicosis frequently presents with concurrent gastrointestinal, cardiac, and renal problems in equids.
• Consider oleander intoxication in horses with colic, particularly when azotemia or cardiac arrhythmias are present in oleander-endemic regions.