Intoxicação por Fumonisina B1 em Equideos : revisão de literatura

Abstract

Leukoencephalomalacia is a highly fatal neurotoxic process that affects equines, leading to degeneration of the white matter of the brain. The other form of intoxication is hepatic, where it assumes that the effects are milder and easier to reverse. The disease is caused by the ingestion of mycotoxin fumonisin B1, which is a toxic metabolite produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, found in corn that is stored in precarious conditions. The period of highest incidence of the disease is between the months of June and September. Symptoms include incoordination, aimless walking, anorexia, lethargy, depression and head pressing, with the evolution of the clinical picture there may be convulsions, coma and death. Clinical signs usually appear acutely and death can occur within hours or a few days. Typical macroscopic lesions of leukoencephalomalacia include liquefactive necrosis of the cerebral hemispheres. The diagnosis is based on the animal's history, detailed anamnesis focusing on food management, analysis of the corn offered and complementary exams. Considered palliative, the treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms presented. The prognosis of this condition is considered unfavorable and the prevention is of paramount importance, because only with proper food management it is possible to avoid the disease.