Which statement about mineral oil use after ionophore ingestion in horses is true?

Which statement about mineral oil use after ionophore ingestion in horses is true?

• A. It is always advisable
• B. It is sometimes advisable
• C. It is not advisable
• D. It has no effect

Answer: (C)

Ionophore poisoning in horses requires careful decontamination to limit toxin absorption, but not all decontamination methods are safe or effective. Mineral oil as a decontaminant is not advisable after ionophore ingestion. It increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia if the horse regurgitates or vomits, and it doesn’t reliably remove the ionophore from the gastrointestinal tract. In horses, aspiration risk is a major concern, so giving an oil-based laxative can do more harm than good. The safer approach focuses on rapid veterinary-led decontamination within a short window (often with activated charcoal) when appropriate, along with supportive care, since there is no antidote for ionophore toxicity.

Ionophore poisoning in horses requires careful decontamination to limit toxin absorption, but not all decontamination methods are safe or effective. Mineral oil as a decontaminant is not advisable after ionophore ingestion. It increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia if the horse regurgitates or vomits, and it doesn’t reliably remove the ionophore from the gastrointestinal tract. In horses, aspiration risk is a major concern, so giving an oil-based laxative can do more harm than good. The safer approach focuses on rapid veterinary-led decontamination within a short window (often with activated charcoal) when appropriate, along with supportive care, since there is no antidote for ionophore toxicity.