“Botulism” is actually a catch-all phrase for nine serological types of botulinum neurotoxins. Botulinum neurotoxins are proteins synthesized and secreted by neurotoxigenic strains of Clostridial bacteria. Horses are particularly susceptible to the neurotoxins, compared to other species; they are often exposed to them through contaminated food or through infected soil that enters a wound.
The toxin can cause muscle paralysis, beginning in the horse's legs and eventually paralyzing the respiratory muscles and causing death.
Dr. Lauretta Turin, with the University of Milan, and fellow researchers have found that carefully managed botulinum neurotoxins can be used to treat several syndromes that involve the nervous and muscular systems in horses. Botulinum toxins are able to reach specific cell types while not affecting others, meaning they cause little to no side effects.
One such condition that has been treated with botulinum neurotoxin is stringhalt, a spastic condition that involves hyperflexion of the hock. This condition can be caused by several things, one of which is linked to overactive upper motor neurons.
The scientists injected the affected muscles with Botulinum neurotoxin type A (Botox), and the spastic movements diminished in as little as two days, with no toxicity or side effects. The research team says more studies are needed to fine-tune the neurotoxin dosage so that complete removal of the spasticity takes place.
Botulinum neurotoxin type A was also used to treat horses with laminitis. When injected into the muscle's belly, the neurotoxin paralyzed the deep digital flexor muscle. The toxin diminished the shearing forces and improved the outcome of affected horses. Intramuscular injection of Botox also assisted horses experiencing lameness from laminitis.
Botox also shows promise as a pain-reliever as well as a blocking agent when injected into the middle joint of the horse's knee. The injection can alleviate lameness in horses with acute synovitis.
Botulinum neurotoxin Type B has shown potential for the alleviation of navicular bone pain, though total soundness was not achieved. The research team recommends that higher concentrations or multiple injections be investigated for the ideal painkilling effect.
Type B has also proven helpful in pregnant mares, reducing anal sphincter tone and aiding in healing and repair of perineal lacerations during foaling by relaxing the anus after local injection. The study team notes that maximal efficacy took place in the first 15 days and was completely gone in six months.
These positive results warrant additional research, the team said, with careful attention paid to timing, location and dosing of the toxin.
Read more at HorseTalk.
The post Study: Botulism Can Be Used To Successfully Treat Stringhalt, Laminitis appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
