Sodium Toxicosis

Sodium Toxicosis



Basic Information image



Definition


Sodium ion or salt toxicosis may occur from ingestion of excess sodium in either feed or water or from water deprivation.



Synonym(s)




• Hypernatremia


• Sodium chloride toxicosis



Epidemiology



Risk Factors


Sodium intoxication or water deprivation rarely occurs or is rarely reported in horses. The acute toxic dose of sodium chloride in the equine is about 2.2 g/kg body weight (BW). Sodium chloride is generally added at the rate of 0.5% to 1% of concentrate feeds or is fed free choice. The maximum tolerable concentration of sodium chloride in the diet has been set at 6% of intake by the National Research Council. When adequate potable water is available, animals may tolerate feeds with elevated salt concentrations. Animals not acclimated to higher mineral or salt diets are at risk of overconsumption of sodium. Water deprivation may occur during neglect, overcrowding, mechanical failure of watering systems, and frozen or unpalatable water sources.



Geography and Seasonality


Because this toxicosis is often dependent on water intake, cases of hypernatremia may be associated with high ambient temperature and humidity or prolonged exercise without access to water. Average water intake is about 5 L/100 kg BW/d for maintenance in horses, but this amount can be affected by temperature, exercise, and other factors.



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint




• Excessive salt intake may result in gastroenteritis, weakness, and dehydration within 1 to 2 days.


• Clinical signs of sodium intoxication or water deprivation generally develop over 4 to 7 days and involve the central nervous system resulting in the following signs


image Restlessness

image Thirst

image Anorexia

image Aimless wandering

image Head pressing

image Circling

image Blindness

image Tremors

image Seizure-like activity

image Death


Physical Exam Findings




• Restlessness


• Thirst


• Weakness


• Dehydration


• Tucked-up abdomen


• Constipation or diarrhea


• Aimless wandering


• Head pressing


• Depression


• Circling


• Ataxia


• Tremors


• Seizure-like activity


• Sudden death (<24 hours) with excess salt ingestion

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

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