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Discussion on Possible poisoning of ponies

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SUSAN GALLOWAY
Member
Username: Rjfarmer

Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Thursday, Nov 18, 2004 - 12:35 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

A farm in my area (Southern Ontario Canada) has lost two otherwise healthy, fat children's ponies in the past week. Their third pony went down last night, and appears to also be dying. The first one lasted three days, and the second two before dying. They have determined that it is not West Nile and are looking into possible poisoning. One suggestion is Blister Beetle poisoning (from dead beetles in the hay).

Here is how the illness ran in the first two. One died September 30, the second November 16, and the third presented symptoms yesterday:

Symptoms are:

Colicy
cold sweat
diarhea
becomes better
then gets really worse
off feed
off water
uncomfortable
then very uncomfortable
diarhea stops unless huge IV of H2o is given
twiching , back legs then works up the head
pony goes down
unable to sit up
unable to move
then rapid heart rate
fast breathing
Temp rises
loses the abilty to drink, eat, breath
then must put the pony to sleep
dead within 3 days

Is Blister Beetle poisoning likely? It appears that their vet does not know what's going on. The other fear is that it could be viral, and perhaps contagious.

Any suggestions appreciated!
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 11534
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Friday, Nov 19, 2004 - 6:42 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I don't know if it is likely but it is possible, for more on this see, Equine Diseases » Colic and GI Diseases » Colic in Horses » Blister Beetle Poisoning.
DrO
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