Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Moldy Corn Toxicity
Synonyms: Blind, Sleepy or Mad Staggers, Corn Stalk Poisoning, Fumonisin Toxicity, Leukoencephalomalacia
Summary
This is an often fatal neurologic disease that results when a horse ingests corn that contains molds producing the potent toxin fumonisin. This toxin cause damage or death to living tissue (necrosis) in the brain and sometimes the liver. Horses usually only show signs of neurologic disease after eating corn containing fumonisin over a period of 2-9 weeks.
Keep in mind that this disease may be indistinguishable from rabies. Handle horses showing signs of neurologic disease only under your vet's guidance.
Diagnosis requires a compatible history of consumption of infected corn coupled with signs of severe brain disease. Often, more than one horse in a group is affected. Feed toxicologic analysis typically shows that corn contains a significant level of the fumonisin toxin. Post-mortem examination of horses shows destruction (liquefaction of white matter) of a specific area of the brain.
There is no treatment, although supportive nursing care is often instituted.
Keep in mind that this disease may be indistinguishable from rabies. Handle horses showing signs of neurologic disease only under your vet's guidance.
Diagnosis requires a compatible history of consumption of infected corn coupled with signs of severe brain disease. Often, more than one horse in a group is affected. Feed toxicologic analysis typically shows that corn contains a significant level of the fumonisin toxin. Post-mortem examination of horses shows destruction (liquefaction of white matter) of a specific area of the brain.
There is no treatment, although supportive nursing care is often instituted.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Very Common
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Grave. Once signs start, there is already destruction of the white matter of the brain. There is no known treatment, and recovery is rare.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
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Horse Found Dead, Recently Seemed Healthy
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Blue or Purple
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Unconscious, Lying Down & Not Responsive
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Stands with Hind Limbs Crossed
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Abdominal Pain, Colic Signs
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Head in Corner or Against Wall, Head Pressing
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Vision Seems Poor, Running into Things or Objects
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Gums have Dark Red Line above Teeth
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Purple, Red or Dark Spots on Gums or inside Nostril
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Urine appears Red, Bloody or Blood Clots in Urine
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Rapid Breathing, Flaring Nostrils at Rest (Not after Exercise)
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Difficulty Breathing, Struggles for Breath
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Head Tilted or Cocked to Side
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Cannot Seem to Get Up, Lying Down, Seems Aware
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Stands with Front Limbs Crossed
Rare
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Urination, Frequent & Small Amounts of Urine
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Membranes of Mouth, Gums appear Yellow, Jaundice
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Whites of Eyes, or Pink Skinned Areas appear Yellow
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Down with Limbs Tipped Up, Cast
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Face or Head Seems Swollen or Enlarged
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Abnormal Head or Neck Position at Rest
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Agitated, Anxious, Nervous or Stressed
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Incontinence, Urine Dribbling or Dripping
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Drowsy, Seems to Fall Asleep on Feet, Could Even Collapse
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Circling Compulsively in One Direction
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What management changes can I make to prevent this from happening again?
- Can the feed be tested for this toxin in order to prove this diagnosis?
- How do you know my horse suffers from this disease and not rabies?
Prevention
Do not feed horses moldy corn, cracked corn, or corn screenings. If feeding corn, always inspect it carefully before feeding. Particularly be on the lookout for screenings, which are small partial kernels, with visible dust or mold. Purchase high quality feeds for your horses. Do not stockpile feed or store it for a long period of time before feeding it and pay attention to the expiration date on all feed bags. If you ever wonder about the appearance of grain containing corn, do not feed it.
Fumonisin levels may be higher in corn that was drought stressed during growth and harvested during humid or wet periods.
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
Related References:
Lavoie JP, Hinchcliff KW eds. Blackwell's 5 Minute Vet Consult: Equine. 2nd Ed. Ames: Wiley Blackwell 2008.