Any DVM or students out there seen a case like this? We recently had two mares die of impaction colic .?

Question

In addition 10 or 12 others that were in the same pasture were sick to varying degrees. Symptoms were bloating, colic, the ones that didn't die had diarrea, one got really dehydrated. All had normal temps. The most adversly affected were young mares pregnant with their first foal, including the two that died. Necropsy showed no worms or sand in intestines. Four different vets said it had to be something toxic to affect that many horses. Blood samples showed nothing and samples of their feed have been sent off, but most poisons affect the nervous system and the only thing I saw was yawning (can't remember what that's called). Has anyone else ever heard of anything close to this? I have looked extensively on the internet, but can't find anything with the same symptoms. One more thing, we have had dought conditions for several months. If you have any ideas, please answer so I can do some more research. Thanks for any help!

Thanks for the answers you gave. We finally got news on what may be the problem. There is a bacteria in the horse's digestive system called clostridium perfringens which sometimes gets hyperactive and releases toxins. The reason is as yet unknown. We're lucky more of the mares didn't die. If your horse gets these symptoms, there are some antibiotics you can try. Ask your vet immediately to administer them and hopefully you'll get a better outcome! Thanks again!

Answer 1

That is horrible- I don't know what I would do if that happened to me or my horses. All I can suggest is look in obscure places and call around. With it affecting so many horses and in the digestive tract- it has to be something they are eating, whether the food itself or something on the food. Try the first poster's idea- maybe that is it. What I suggest doing is removing the horses from that area and take off all the standing vegetation. Feed them good quality hay instead. Are you using sterile grain? The grain could have something to do with it as well.
As for affecting mares with foals- they are weakened from having half their nutrients go to the foals and their immune systems are usually weaker.
Good luck on finding an answer and let me know what you find out.