Experimental equine leukoencephalomalacia, toxic hepatosis, and encephalopathy caused by corn naturally contaminated with fumonisins

J Vet Diagn Invest. 1993 Jan;5(1):69-74. doi: 10.1177/104063879300500115.

Abstract

A study to evaluate the effects of dietary fumonisin B1 was conducted using 6 ponies (4 test and 2 control). A ration naturally contaminated with fumonisin B1 was fed in 3 phases: 1) 44 ppm fumonisin B1, 2) less than 1 ppm fumonisin B1, and 3) 88 ppm fumonisin B1. All ponies were monitored daily, weighed weekly, and limit fed at a rate of 0.8% body weight plus hay. Feed intake was measured daily, and a serum chemistry panel was completed once or twice weekly. Four to 7 days after initiation of the trial (Phase 1), all 4 test ponies had decreased feed consumption, and selected serum chemistry parameters were markedly elevated. On day 9, 1 pony died acutely with mild encephalopathy and hepatic necrosis. Another pony, euthanized on day 45, also had mild encephalopathy and hepatic necrosis. The remaining 2 test ponies continued the 44 ppm fumonisin B1 diet for 98 days. Phase 2 consisted of a diet with < 1 ppm fumonisin B1 for 120 days. During this phase, the serum chemistry values of the 2 ponies returned to normal. Following Phase 2, the 2 ponies were fed a diet containing 88 ppm fumonisin B1. After 75 days, 1 animal died of equine leukoencephalomalacia with mild hepatic necrosis. On day 78, the remaining pony was euthanized after showing distress; it also had leukoencephalomalacia and hepatic lesions.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Brain Diseases / pathology
  • Carcinogens, Environmental / toxicity
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Encephalomalacia / chemically induced*
  • Encephalomalacia / pathology
  • Food Contamination*
  • Fumonisins*
  • Horses
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Mycotoxins / toxicity*
  • Necrosis
  • Zea mays

Substances

  • Carcinogens, Environmental
  • Fumonisins
  • Mycotoxins
  • fumonisin B1