Suspected acorn toxicity in nine horses

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Acorn toxicity in horses is anecdotally reported but lacks extensive scientific literature.
• Colitis and colic are suspected consequences of acorn ingestion in horses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and outcomes of nine horses with suspected acorn toxicity.
• To analyze clinical and pathological findings in horses affected by acorn ingestion.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series reviewing records from 2004 to 2013.
• Inclusion criteria required horses to meet at least three of four criteria related to acorn exposure and clinical/pathological signs.
• Data included case history, clinical presentation, clinicopathological data, ultrasonographic findings, and necropsy/histopathological results.

Main Results:

• Nine horses met the inclusion criteria for suspected acorn toxicity.
• Five horses with hemorrhagic diarrhea were euthanized or died; three of four with colic signs survived.
• Post-mortem examinations revealed submucosal edema, acute tubular nephrosis, and necrohaemorrhagic typhlocolitis.

Conclusions:

• Acorn ingestion is linked to typhlocolitis, colic, and acute renal tubular nephrosis in horses.
• Mildly affected horses may recover, but severe cases often result in death due to complications like hypovolemia and renal failure.
• Limiting horses' autumn exposure to acorns is advisable, and further research into predisposing factors is needed.