Mass envenomation of a mare and foal by bees

Abstract

Early recognition of clinical signs and treatment of toxic envenomation with an understanding of the physiological effects of hymenoptera venom can lead to a favourable outcome in horses receiving a non-lethal dose. Further case reports of the treatment of affected horses are needed to expand knowledge of how best to approach this rare, but serious intoxication.

Acute renal failure in a horse following bee sting toxicity

“…The reduced perfusion of the renal tissue may have reduced the glomerular filtration rate and, consequently, caused urine stasis at the proximal and distal tubules of the kidney, leading to tubular epithelial necrosis (CIANCIOLO & MOHR, 2016). This presentation is similar to what has been previously described in mass envenomation in horses (STAEMPFLI et al, 1993;LEWIS & RACKLYEFT, 2014;FONTEQUE et al, 2018). This hypothesis was supported by the histological analysis of the kidney, which revealed multiple intratubular hyaline casts intermixed by necrotic epithelial tubular cells.…”

“…In the present case, the mare had multiple skin lesions, characterized by raised areas associated with local swelling and hemorrhage. This is also a common finding in dogs (OLIVEIRA et al, 2007), humans (HUGHES, 2019) and horses (STAEMPFLI et al, 1993;VEADO et al, 2020), and it is most likely caused by direct effect of melittin and phospholipase A 2 , which leads to endothelial cell membrane injury (LEWIS & RACKLYEFT, 2014).…”

“…In the present study, the diagnosis of acute renal failure due to bee sting toxicity was made through the association of the clinical and histological findings. Although commonly described in humans (HUGHES, 2019) and dogs (OLIVEIRA et al, 2007), case reports on bee sting toxicity in horses are scarce and mainly focused on the clinical findings (STAEMPFLI et al, 1993;LEWIS & RACKLYEFT, 2014;FONTEQUE et al, 2018;VEADO et al, 2020). Bee envenomation may cause a variety of clinical presentations, including cutaneous lesions, local swelling, muscular pain, anaphylactic reaction, cardiovascular collapse, hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, multiorgan damage, and acute renal failure (HUGHES, 2009).…”

Clinical Approach to Commonly Encountered Problems

“…229 Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels that often results in impaired lymphatic drainage and swelling. 346 Snake envenomation can also cause edema. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, although culture is frequently unrewarding.…”

In this issue – May 2014

“…A case report describes an attack of a mare and newborn foal by a swarm of bees, resulting in hundred of stings . After initial symptomatic treatment, both developed diffuse swelling of the head and were reported to be very agitated, which I think seems to be a surprisingly calm description of how they must have been feeling.…”