Abstract
ABSTRACT Accidents caused by insects of the Hymenoptera are rarely described in large animals. The attacks caused by honeybee (Apis mellifera) may cause severe consequences and its intensity changes according to the number of stings. Local and systemic reactions can occur, including progression to death. This report describes a case of honeybee attack on an equine, which took place in the city of Lages, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. In the clinical assessment the horse showed apathy, anorexia, head and pectoral edemas, dyspnea, icteric mucosa, increased mandibular lymph nodes and darkened urine. The blood count showed anemia and serum biochemical tests suggested, muscular and hepatic lesions. The urinalysis test indicated hemoglobinuria and increased clotting time. Treatment included lactate Ringer’s solution fluid therapy, furosemide, promethazine, corticosteroids and 20% mannitol solution. Hot and cold compresses were applied alternately on areas with edema. There was a satisfactory response to treatment and the animal was discharged after 30 days in veterinary hospital. The description of honeybee sting accidents in large animals is important because of the evolution that can lead to death. The early approach associated with appropriate treatment, avoiding the worsening of the lesions is fundamental for the recovery of the patient.
Highlights
Accidents caused by insects of the order Hymenoptera occur frequently with humans (Langley and Morrow, 1997; Langley, 2005) and with domestic animals, mainly dogs (Schimidt and Hassen, 1996), with limited reports in the scientific literature describing cases involving horses.In Brazil, honeybee (Apis mellifera), wasps and bumblebee (Bombus spp.) attacks are common (Cardoso et al, 2008)
Clinical manifestations in domestic animals are related to the amount of stings that the animal is subjected to, ranging from hypersensitivity reactions to a single sting to poisoning by a few stings or poisoning by multiple stings
Allergic reactions can occur with only one sting in a sensitive animal and may not occur with multiple stings in other animals (Cardoso et al, 2008)
Summary
Accidents caused by insects of the order Hymenoptera occur frequently with humans (Langley and Morrow, 1997; Langley, 2005) and with domestic animals, mainly dogs (Schimidt and Hassen, 1996), with limited reports in the scientific literature describing cases involving horses. Africanized honeybees originated by the crossbreeding of European and African honeybees, were introduced in Brazil with the intention of increasing honey production (Mello et al, 2003) These accidents are important in veterinary medicine, since the Hymenoptera have an inoculator apparatus (sting) attached to venom glands (Vetter et al, 1999). The objective of this study is to report the case of a horse that developed systemic toxic reaction due to multiple honeybee stings, which occurred in the municipality of Lages, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Hospitalization, the horse developed pneumonia characterized by pyrexia (39.0°C) and fine crackles at pulmonary auscultation. This condition was treated with benzathine penicillin (40.000IU/kg, MI, administered every 48 hours for three days). Skin necrosis developed on the spots where the animal was stung (Figure 3)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
