Sudden death related to acute iatrogenic conditions in domestic ruminants and horses: A review

Abstract

Drug poisoning in animals is generally due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug-drug interactions (DDIs) or iatrogenisis. No drug is exempt from the risk of adverse reactions or side effects. Acute drug poisoning or ARDs can lead to unexpected animals death, with anaphylaxis being the most common and harmful pathophysiological phenomenon among ADRs. Antibiotics are primarily involved, either through an individual effect or through interaction with another drug. Furthermore, self-medication, a widespread practice in veterinary medicine, amplifies the risk of iatrogenesis. ADRs, drug-drug interactions, and iatrogenesis are all potentially serious risks that can lead to sudden death in ruminants and horses. In such situations, forensic medicine is needed to determine the cause of death, and veterinary forensic analyses may be necessary, in spite of the lack of toxicological drugs references in veterinary toxicology laboratories.  Thus, it seems appropriate to consider iatrogenic factors as a hypothetical cause in the differential diagnosis of sudden death syndrome (SDS).