Metabolic changes associated with anaesthesia and cherry poisoning in a pony

Vet Anaesth Analg. 2009 May;36(3):255-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2009.00450.x.

Abstract

Observations: A case of a pony with severe cyanide intoxication as a result of cherry ingestion is presented. General anaesthesia was performed for colic surgery. Severe metabolic lactate acidosis in combination with a high arterial oxygen partial pressure and clinically good peripheral perfusion parameters were the remarkable signs during anaesthesia. Severe hypothermia was obvious during recovery. Ten hours post-surgery the pony was euthanized as a result of neurological signs. The diagnosis of cyanide intoxication was made post-mortem.

Conclusion: Cherry ingestion can lead to lethal cyanide intoxication in horses indicated by severe nonhypoxic lactic acidosis during anaesthesia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia / veterinary*
  • Anesthetics / adverse effects*
  • Animals
  • Cyanides / poisoning*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Foodborne Diseases
  • Horse Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / chemically induced
  • Postoperative Complications / veterinary*
  • Prunus / poisoning*

Substances

  • Anesthetics
  • Cyanides