ECLAMPSIA IN HORSES

Question 1

SYNONYMS of Eclampsia in horses

Answer 1

Lactation tetany,
Transport tetany,
Hypocalcemia tetany,

in horses

Question 2

Characteristics of LT in horses

Answer 2

Hypocalcemia (abnormal decrease of serum ionized calcium) and abnormal behaviour progressing to incoordination and tetany.

Question 3

Clinical signs of LT in horses

severe cases frst point

Answer 3

1. Animals sweat profusely and have difficulty moving because of tetany of the limbs and incoordination. The gait is stiff, and the tail is slightly raised. Rapid, labored respirations and wide dilatation of the nostrils are often accompanied by synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (“thumps”) evident as a distinct thumping sound from the thorax.Muscular fibrillation, particularly of the masseter and shoulder region, and trismus.
2. Profuse salivation
3. Sweating and raised tail
4. Cardiac arrythmia
5. Convulsions
6. Anxious apperance

Question 4

Differentiate LT with tetanus in horse

Answer 4

No third eyelid prolapse and will be accompaning foaling.

Question 5

When does LT occur in horses?

Answer 5

10 days after foaling or 1-2 days of weaning, after prolonged physical excertion or transport.

Question 6

Serum ionized calcium level and the signs

Answer 6

1. Disease: 4-8mg/dL
2. > 8mg/dL increased excitability
3. 5-8mg/dL tetanic spasm and slight incordination
4. <5mg/dL recumbency and stupor

Magnesium : 0.9mg/dL

Question 7

DD of LT in horses

Answer 7

• Tetanus
• Entrotoxima
• Botulinism
• Laminitis
• Colic

Question 8

Treatment of LT in horses

Answer 8

A 500-kg mare is 300 to 500 mL of a 25%
solution of calcium borogluconate or gluconate administered slowly (over 15 to 30 min) intravenously in 1:4 NS and dextrose

Earliest signs of recovery is voiding large quantities of urine

Question 8

Prevention of LT in horses

Answer 8

• Balanced feed ration
• High quality forage- alfalfa
• Mineral mixtures
• Minimize stress and fasting
• Sufficient water and electrolyte supplementation