Toxicology for the Equine Practitioner

Area of Science:

• Veterinary toxicology
• Equine pathology

Background:

• Toxins are a common cause of disease and death in horses.
• Accurate diagnosis requires thorough necropsy, lesion examination, and laboratory testing.
• Identifying gross lesions is a critical initial step for equine practitioners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe common equine toxins in North America.
• To detail the gross lesions produced by these toxins.
• To assist veterinarians and pathologists in diagnosing toxicological deaths.

Main Methods:

• Review of common equine toxins in North America.
• Description of characteristic gross lesions associated with each toxin.
• Focus on macroscopic findings detectable during necropsy.

Main Results:

• Identification of several key toxins affecting horses.
• Detailed descriptions of the specific gross lesions caused by each toxin.
• Emphasis on lesions relevant to diagnostic planning.

Conclusions:

• Gross lesion identification is crucial for diagnosing equine toxicosis.
• This article serves as a guide for recognizing toxin-induced lesions.
• Facilitates timely and accurate diagnosis in equine toxicology cases.