Blister Beetle Toxicosis

Blister Beetle Toxicosis


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Basic Information image



Definition


Blister beetles (Epicauta spp.) are insects that contain the toxin cantharidin, a potent vesicating agent that is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin. Cantharidin is a direct irritant that can cause shock and death within 4 hours after a massive dose or affect various organ systems, depending on the dose.



Synonym(S)




• Cantharidin toxicosis


• Cantharidiasis



Epidemiology



Risk Factors


Feeding hay, pellets, or cubes that contain alfalfa, particularly after it has been crimped



Geography and Seasonality




• Beetles can be a variety of colors, depending on their location (eg, black, gray with black spots, orange with black spots). Striped blister beetles, Epicauta lemniscata, are often found in alfalfa hay in the southwestern United States (Figure 1).


• Most blister beetles live in the South.


• Most cases occur in the winter when more hay is fed.


• Cases can occur year round if contaminated alfalfa products are fed.


• Cases can occur anywhere contaminated alfalfa is shipped.


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FIGURE 1 Blister beetles in alfalfa hay.



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Acute: Massive dose


• Subacute: Lower dose



History, Chief Complaint




• Sudden death: The horse is found dead in the morning after appearing normal when fed the previous night


• Depressed


• Anorectic


• Any clinical signs associated with colic


• Playing in water with muzzle


• Client’s observation that animal is “not acting right”



Physical Exam Findings


Not all horses exhibit all the following clinical signs:



• Increased pulse


• Increased respiratory rate


• Diaphragmatic flutter


• Muscle fasciculations


• Tachycardia


• Sweating


• Frequent painful urination


• Depression


• Colic


• Diarrhea


• Oral lesions


• Salivation


• Restlessness


• Congested mucous membranes


• Increased capillary refill time


• Stiff gait


• Hematuria


• Fever

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Related posts:

  1. Aggressive Stallion Behavior
  2. Aflatoxin Toxicosis
  3. Biliary Atresia
  4. Black Widow Spider Toxicosis

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Blister Beetle Toxicosis

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