Side Effects And Occupational Risks Of Using Intrauterine Kerosene In A Mare

Abstract

Use of intrauterine kerosene is becoming popular for treatment of chronic endometritis. In this case, intrauterine kerosene was used to treat pyometra in a mare after failure of traditional treatments and adjuvants to resolve the condition. Intrauterine infusion with kerosene was followed by uterine lavage the following morning. Reflux of kerosene into the vagina resulted in chemical vaginitis with behavioral changes in the mare the morning after infusion. Five minutes after uterine lavage, the mare developed severe signs of colic and pain associated with the vaginal procedures that exacerbated the irritation. Side effects subsided with local instillation of 2% lidocaine into the vagina. In addition, kerosene eroded the obstetrical sleeve of the operator during uterine lavage, and resulted in chemical dermatitis with local redness, heat and pain for several hours. The severe side effects seen in this mare raise questions regarding animal welfare and ethical use of kerosene. The use of commercially available kerosene poses significant health risks to personnel and additional precautions are needed to minimize occupational exposure. Intrauterine kerosene should be used with caution until controlled efficacy and safety studies become available and the benefits are proven to outweigh the risks.