Fumonisins

This chapter presents the traditional categories of overview, etiology/pathophysiology, signalment/history, clinical features, key differential diagnosis, diagnostics, and therapeutics of fumonisins toxicology in equine. In horses, fumonisins can cause equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM), liver failure, and cardiac dysfunction. Toxic dose depends on duration of exposure. One study found ELEM associated with ingestion of feed containing > 10 ppm fumonisin B1. Fumonisin production is increased when periods of insect damage, drought, or other plant stresses are followed by cool, wet weather during pollination. The chapter is an indispensable reference for veterinary clinicians and students dealing with equine medicine, as well as for anyone seeking concise and comprehensive information about equine toxicology.