The intoxication of equidae (horses) with colchicines Literature review and short case report

Summary Background Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) contains over 20 different alkaloids in its flowers and seeds. Colchicine is the most important alkaloid with the greatest ef fect on cell multiplication and inhibition of tubulin polymerization, more precisely precluding the spindle formation during mitosis. The main organs affected by the toxin are those with high mitotic potential, including: the intestinal tract, the liver and the kidneys. Lethal dose of colchicine varies on a narrow range among species, averaging around 1mg/bwkg. From the whole plant the lethal dose is between 1200–3000 g/horse. Objectives The aim of the current article was to review published data and present a retro spective case series of colchicine intoxication in horses. Materials and Methods Pubmed and Google scholar were used to find published data, while six animals (three mares and their foals) were included in the case series. Results and Discussion In agreement with the literature all six horses exhibited clinical signs including: colic, sweating and diarrhoea. The diagnosis of toxicosis was based upon mac roscopic analysis of the hay in a local toxicology lab. The horses underwent the following supportive treatment: intravenous fluid therapy, as well as administration of analgesic, diuretics, laxatives and intestinal adsorbents. All horses recovered within a few days without complications. Prevention of poisoning can be achieved by mechanical destruction or herbicidal treatments