Estimating the rate of poisoning by insecticide-treated seeds in a bird population

Poisonings of granivorous birds by cereal seed treatments have been reported in the UK, but the true frequency of poisonings is unknown. We aimed to measure the rate of mortality due to poisoning by seed treatments in woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) in an area of East Anglian farmland where the risk from these compounds appeared high. Woodpigeons were fitted with temperature-sensing radio-tags and monitored daily during the winters of 1994/95 and 1995/96. Birds' deaths were detected and attempts made to retrieve carcasses for post-mortem examination including, where possible, analysis for pesticide residues. Ninety-one woodpigeons were monitored. Eleven birds died, but the causes of their deaths were uncertain: one contained a low residue of insecticide and in the other ten cases, no carcass was recovered, so no analysis was possible. Therefore, the number poisoned by pesticides could lie anywhere between zero and eleven. During 1994/95, estimated mortality ranged from 0% to 52%, depending on how many (if any) of the 11 casualties were poisoned. During 1995/96 there were no casualties. Using conservative diagnostic rules for classifying birds as poisoned by OP seed treatments, no link was found between the availability of treated fields in the study area and the rate of poisonings, and there were no significant differences between the two study years. For reasons discussed in the paper, true mortality resulting from exposure to insecticide seed treatments was considered likely to lie in the range 0-5%.

The poison-proof practice

Toxicology is the medical discipline that studies the often dramatic effects that poisons can have on living organisms. The body of toxicological information that the practicing veterinarian must deal with is growing exponentially. The veterinary clinician must come to understand the source of potential toxicants, circumstances leading up to poisoning episodes, must recognize the clinical signs of a wide variety of poisons, be able to diagnose intoxications, successfully treat and manage exposed animals, and institute strategies that educate the public and help prevent future poisonings. This is a tremendously tall order and can be not a little bit overwhelming. Fortunately, the clinicians are not alone and have tremendous resources in their corner, including veterinary schools, regional poison and drug centers, national veterinary hot lines utilizing board-certified veterinary toxicologists, local toxicologists and an ever-growing body of literature concerning small animal poisoning management. This discussion will investigate ways in which to make this seemingly daunting field much more palatable to small animal practitioners.

Clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in a South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria)

This article describes the clinical management of potential ibuprofen toxicosis in South American red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria). A 2.5-year-old, 0.78-kg Geochelone carbonaria tortoise was presented to the emergency clinic after ingesting solubilized ibuprofen (200 mg) in a gelatin capsule. Treatment on initial presentation consisted of esophagostomy tube placement for gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration, intravenous and intraosseous fluid therapy, and administration of gastrointestinal protectants (sucralfate and famotidine). The tortoise was discharged to the owners. Although follow-up diagnostic monitoring was minimal because of owner compliance, the patient was noted to be alive and in reasonable health 1 year after initial presentation. This is the first report on the management of potential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicosis in any chelonian species.

Alpha-chloralose poisoning in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 33 canine and 13 feline confirmed cases

Alpha-chloralose (AC) is an anaesthetic compound also used as a rodenticide, and has dose-dependent central nervous system mixed effects of excitation and depression. The objectives of this study were to detail the clinical and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as the treatment and prognosis, of AC toxicosis in dogs and cats. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for AC poisoning between the years 1989 and 2004, and 33 dogs and 13 cats were included in the study. The most common clinical signs were seizures, muscle tremor, hyperaesthesia, hypothermia, salivation, myosis, stupor, coma and ataxia. Coma was more common, while salivation and ataxia were less common in cats compared to dogs. Although hypothermia was very common, especially in cats (90.9%), hyperthermia was frequently observed in dogs (21%). Treatment in all patients was supportive and symptomatic, and the most commonly used anticonvulsants were diazepam and barbiturates; however, severe unresponsive seizures in three dogs had to be controlled with inhalant gas anaesthesia. The hospitalisation period was 1-3 days, and the overall mortality rate was 6.5%. Alpha-chloralose poisoning seems to have a favourable prognosis in dogs and cats.

Diazinon toxicity in sheep and cattle arising from the misuse of unlicensed and out-of-date products

Two incidents involving the misuse of unlabelled or out-of-date diazinon products are described. In the first incident, 81 of a group of 210 five-month-old lambs died within 12 hours of being dipped with the contents of a partly used tin of 15-year-old sheep dip. Analysis showed that the diazinon had decomposed by hydrolysis into a range of breakdown products, including tetraethyldithiopyrophosphate (sulfotepp) and monothiono-tetraethylpyrophosphate (monothiono-TEPP), which are much more toxic to mammals than diazinon. In the second incident, four yearling bulls were affected within 48 hours of being treated with a liquid that the farmer believed to be a lice treatment but was actually old diazinon sheep dip. Three of the bulls recovered but one died four days after the treatment. Analysis of the dip confirmed the presence of diazinon but in this incident no breakdown products were detected.

Canine renal cortical necrosis and haemorrhage following ingestion of an Amitraz-formulated insecticide dip : clinical communication

Amitraz is a formamidine compound used in veterinary medicine as a topical dip to control ticks and mites on dogs and livestock. A 10-year-old female Scottish terrier was presented following the accidental oral administration of a dip containing amitraz. This case report describes the clinical signs, treatment and pathology of this dog. Clinical signs of toxicity from amitraz result from stimulation of alpha2-adrenergic receptors. Amitraz is seldom fatal because the effects can be reversed by alpha2-adrenergic antagonists. The dog recovered from the amitraz toxicity but died 5 days later from acute renal failure.

Brief report: respiratory illness associated with boot sealant products--five states, 2005-2006

During February 2005-February 2006, six regional poison control centers in five states were consulted regarding 172 human and 19 animal (i.e., pet cat or dog) exposures to shoe or boot leather protection or sealant products resulting in respiratory illness. One product was associated with 126 cases of human illness and another product with seven cases. An ongoing investigation, begun in December 2005, is being conducted by the poison centers. The majority of cases occurred in Michigan, where poison control centers are collaborating with the Michigan Department of Community Health to further document exposures and adverse health effects from the products. Results of the investigation of the 150 cases reported during 2005 underscore the continuing need to assess the magnitude of the problem, evaluate the toxic etiology of the products involved, and determine how to prevent further cases of illness resulting from use of the products.

A case of salinomycin intoxication in turkeys

A flock of 4287 heavy hybrid turkey hens were accidentally fed broiler premix containing salinomycin sodium and suffered a 34.5% death loss. Measures taken to ensure food safety for the remaining flock and consumer food safety included feed record studies, on-farm veterinary consultation, diagnostic laboratory studies, and CgFARAD and CFIA consultation. The remaining turkeys were processed 3 weeks after the initial toxicosis with no evidence of lesions that would render the product unfit for human consumption.

Variation in lethality and effects of two Australian chirodropid jellyfish venoms in fish

The North Queensland chirodropid box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri and Chiropsalmus sp. share similar nematocyst composition and the same prey of Acetes australis shrimps in their early medusa stages; however, as C. fleckeri individuals reach larger size, the animals add fish to their diet and their complement of nematocyst types changes, allowing larger doses of venom to be delivered to prey. This study demonstrated that the venoms of the two species differ as well: despite similar effects previously documented in crustacean prey models, the two had widely different cardiac and lethal effects in fish, with C. fleckeri being substantially more potent in its ability to cause death. Comparisons between the venom delivery abilities of the two species showed that the change in nematocysts of C. fleckeri cannot alone account for its ontogenetic shift to prey fish; instead, its prey ecology clearly necessitates it having venom capable of acting efficiently to cause death in fish. Although this venom is almost certainly produced at greater metabolic cost to the animal than the less-lethal venom of Chiropsalmus sp., owing to its greater molecular protein complexity, it confers the advantage of increased caloric intake from fish prey, facilitating larger size and potentially greater reproductive output of C. fleckeri over Chiropsalmus sp.

Surveillance of suspect animal toxicoses with potential food safety implications in England and Wales between 1990 and 2002

The potential chemical contamination incidents investigated by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) between 1990 and 2002 are reviewed. Incidents were identified in the course of the VLA's surveillance of food animal disease and further investigations were carried out on behalf of the Food Standards Agency in order to identify and control the contamination of food animals and animal products with chemical hazards. In total 876 incidents were investigated, of which 588 involved the poisoning of cattle with heavy metals. There were 63 incidents involving the exposure of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry to the accidental misuse of veterinary medicines, pesticides or rodenticides, and 50 incidents involving their exposure to microbiological toxins, particularly botulism.

Detection of Anticoagulant Residues by a New HPLC Method in Specimens of Poisoned Animals and a Poison Control Case Study

Poisonings of domestic and wildlife animals are frequently caused by anticoagulants. Between 1996 and 2003, 70% of all suspected animal poisoning cases were confirmed in this laboratory following analysis of a variety of specimens. Thirty-nine percent of all animal poisonings detected in this laboratory were caused by anticoagulants. Suspicious veterinarians and pet owners involved with animal poisonings ask for toxicological analyses. With respect to these demands, a new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method (system-I, reversed-phase C-18 column, methanol/ammonium acetate) combined with specific extraction procedures was developed for the sensitive detection of nine substances with anticoagulative properties. This method yields high recoveries of the analytes, which can simultaneously be detected. In addition, another HPLC (system-II, acetonitrile/potassium phosphate) was used to confirm and separate chromatographic peaks, which could not be resolved by HPLC system-I. The reliable method has good reproducibility and is most suitable for forensic analyses. Using these analytical procedures, concentrations of eight organic anticoagulants were determined in more than 100 aliquots of animal liver, blood, bait, gastric content, bloody intestinal content, and water. Over the last eight years, dogs and wild birds were the most frequently poisoned species. Interestingly, lethally poisoned birds had lower anticoagulant residues in their organs than mammals.

A retrospective report of 90 dogs with suspected cane toad (Bufo marinus) toxicity

OBJECTIVE

To report the clinical characteristics of toad toxicity in domestic dogs in Brisbane.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of clinical cases.

PROCEDURE

All cases of toad poisoning which presented to a northern suburbs emergency clinic in Brisbane over a 30-month period beginning in April 1999 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 90 canine cases of suspected toad poisoning were reviewed. Small breed dogs accounted for 76% of cases. Jack Russell, Silky, and Fox Terriers were the most represented breeds. Cases were reported year round, with fewest cases over the winter months. The most common clinical signs were increased salivation (78% of cases), and red oral mucous membranes (63% cases). Seizures occurred in 31% of cases. Generally the outcome was excellent with 96% survival.

Diagnosis of Zinc Phosphide Poisoning in Chickens Using a New Analytical Approach

Approximately 200 chickens were found dead after the flooring of a slat-and-litter house was breached. No clinical signs of illness were observed in the surviving birds. During necropsy, rolled oats were found in the chickens' crops and gizzards, and the contents had a petroleum-like odor. Histopathologic examination revealed severe pulmonary edema and congestion of the chickens' lungs, hearts, livers, and kidneys. Based on the history and necropsy findings, zinc phosphide exposure was suspected. Diagnosis of zinc phosphide poisoning has previously been based on history of exposure, identification of the bait material in the gastrointestinal tract, and chemical detection of phosphine gas. However, currently available diagnostic methods are nonconfirmatory, and may produce false positive results. The objective of this case report was to determine whether the sudden death described in these chickens was caused by the ingestion of zinc phosphide, by developing a sensitive and highly specific gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methodology for analysis of the gastrointestinal samples submitted to the laboratory. It was also found that the determination of zinc concentrations in liver or kidney tissue or stomach contents is not a reliable indicator of zinc phosphide poisoning.

First report in a river in France of the benthic cyanobacterium Phormidium favosum producing anatoxin-a associated with dog neurotoxicosis

The first identification of anatoxin-a in a French lotic system is reported. Rapid deaths of dogs occurred in 2003 after the animals drank water from the shoreline of the La Loue River in eastern France. Sediments, stones and macrophytes surfaces at the margin of the river were covered by a thick biofilm containing large quantities of several benthic species of filamentous, non-heterocystous cyanobacteria. Known cyanotoxins, such as microcystins, saxitoxins and anatoxins were screened from biofilm samples by biochemical and analytical assays. A compound with similar UV spectra to the anatoxin-a standard was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with photo-diode array detector. This toxin was further identified by HPLC coupled with a UV detector and by electrospray ionisation-Quadrupole-Time-Of-Flight mass spectrometer, and confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. These two techniques were necessary to discriminate anatoxin-a in phenylalanine-containing matrices such as liver samples of poisoned dogs. The toxin and the aromatic amino acid, phenylalanine, present the same pseudomolecular ion at m/z 166, but have differing fragmentation patterns, retention times and UV spectra. Finally, several cyanobacterial strains were isolated from the green biofilm and tested for anatoxin-a production. Phormidium favosum was identified as a new anatoxin-a producing species.

Evaluation of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin in the treatment of aldicarb poisoning in rats

Cyclodextrins are ring-shaped oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior. The interior cavity is capable of complexing fat-soluble molecules small enough to fit inside. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin as treatment of aldicarb poisoning in rats. Survival times in the majority of rats dosed with aldicarb and receiving intravenous cyclodextrin were longer compared with the control rats only dosed with aldicarb per os.

Diclofenac poisoning is widespread in declining vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent

Recent declines in the populations of three species of vultures in the Indian subcontinent are among the most rapid ever recorded in any bird species. Evidence from a previous study of one of these species, Gyps bengalensis, in the Punjab province of Pakistan, strongly implicates mortality caused by ingestion of residues of the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac as the major cause of the decline. We show that a high proportion of Gyps bengalensis and G. indicus found dead or dying in a much larger area of India and Nepal also have residues of diclofenac and visceral gout, a post-mortem finding that is strongly associated with diclofenac contamination in both species. Hence, veterinary use of diclofenac is likely to have been the major cause of the rapid vulture population declines across the subcontinent.

Analytical methods used in the United Kingdom Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme for the detection of animal poisoning by pesticides

The United Kingdom Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) investigates cases of suspected poisoning of wildlife, honey bees, and companion animals by pesticides. Together with field inquiries and veterinary post-mortem examinations, the analytical procedures presented here provide a comprehensive approach to the investigation of these cases. The paper covers selection of animal tissues for analysis and methods suitable for the analysis of honey bees and for various types of bait. Seven multiresidue methods cover around 130 pesticides, and methods are also described for a further 8 compounds. These methods are currently used on samples submitted to the Scheme in England and Wales.

The veterinary pharmacovigilance program of the APVMA

This paper provides an overview of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) Adverse Experience Reporting Program for veterinary medicines (AERP Vet). It outlines the history of the AERP Vet and how the program investigates adverse experience reports received from veterinarians, product registrants and members of the public. The benefits to veterinarians of such a program are highlighted and include the ability to trust in the safety, quality and efficacy of the veterinary drugs that they handle and administer daily.

Hepatic cobalt and copper levels in lambs in Norway

Cobalt and copper concentrations were measured in 599 lamb livers collected at slaughter from 58 sheep flocks in 6 different parts of Norway in 1993. Information about pasture, additional feeding and mineral supplements in the flocks was obtained through a questionnaire. Average hepatic levels of cobalt in the lamb flocks varied from <0.003 to 0.22 μg/g ww, and of copper from 5 to 240 μg/g ww. Flocks with deficient or marginal cobalt status were found in all parts of southern Norway, but primarily in the west and south-west. Some flocks with marginal copper status were found in the south-west, while flocks with signs of excessive hepatic copper concentrations were found mainly in inner parts of central and northern Norway. Hepatic copper concentrations were significantly higher in lambs that had grazed mountain pastures than in those that had grazed lowland pastures in the summer.

A screening study of xylitol binding in vitro to activated charcoal

Ingestion of foods containing the sweetener xylitol by dogs results in a significant, and often sustained, insulin-mediated hypoglycemic crisis. The efficacy of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination following xylitol ingestion is unknown. This screening study examined the effect of pH and incubation time on the in vitro binding of xylitol to activated charcoal. The mean percentage activated charcoal binding ranged between 8 and 23%. Mean percentage binding of xylitol at pH 3 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the binding of xylitol at pH 1 or pH 5 following 40 or 60 min of incubation with an aQueous 200 g/L activated charcoal slurry. These results suggest binding of xylitol to activated charcoal is relatively low; however, activated charcoal administration may still be beneficial in some canine acute oral xylitol exposures.

Retrospective case series of suspected intentional paraquat poisonings: diagnostic findings and risk factors for death

We investigated a cluster of canine poisonings around the 4th of July weekend in 2003 in dogs that visited a local park. Medical records review and personal interviews were performed on 17 suspect cases; 14 dogs met the case definition criteria. The 13/14 dogs were allowed off-leash at some point during their visit to the park; 7 owners noted their dog had either eaten something at the park or vomited up meat-like material within 1 h after their walk. Eleven of the 14 dogs died or were euthanized. Urine samples from 4 dogs were positive for trace amounts of paraquat and 1 vomitus sample tested positive. Tachypnea was a significant risk factor for death of the dogs. Oral or gastrointestinal ulcers were significantly correlated with recovery.

Acute sheep poisoning from a copper sulfate footbath

An outbreak of footrot occurred in a flock of Corriedale sheep; 27 animals were treated with antibiotic and footbathed in a 5% copper sulfate solution. Being deprived of water for > 17 h, many sheep drank the footbath solution. After 6 h 16 sheep became ill with acute copper poisoning, 10 animals died within 10 h; 6 were severely ill and were sent to Veterinary Hospital, and 4 had mild signs and recovered without treatment. The sick sheep had anorexia, dullness, grinding teeth, moaning, rumen atony, dehydration, dark blue-green diarrheic feces and congested membranes. They were treated with 3.4 mg tetrathiomolybdate/kg body weight and lactated Ringer's solution iv, oral molybdate, sulfate, kaolin and pectin, and drenched with antacids. Two of the 6 sheep died during hospitalization. The ingestion of copper solution caused an intense gastrointestinal injury that resulted in ulcers, petechial and echymotic hemorrhages in the mucosa, mild hemolysis detected by microscopic hemoglobinuria and a lowered packed cell volume, severe hepatic injury that raised the AST and gammaGT blood values, and moderate kidney lesions with increasing serum blood urea and nitrogen creatinine levels.

A pathological condition possibly caused by spontaneous trichotecene poisoning in Brahma poultry: first report

Trichotecene poisoning in poultry can cause oral lesions, haemorrhages, depletion and necrosis in the lymphopoetic organs and death. Spontaneous poisonings with these toxins are rarely described. This paper describes the spontaneous poisoning of two Brahma chickens with T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol and deoxynivalenol. Two out of 10 chickens died under signs of depression and loss of appetite. Histopathological analysis revealed vacuolar dystrophy of the liver, necrosis and depletion of lymphocyte in the bursa of Fabricius as well as multiple necroses in the glandular stomach and gut. Even though quantities of 0.70 mg/kg T-2 in the food together with 0.50 mg/kg diacetoxyscirpenol significantly differ from the median lethal dose for chickens reported in literature (4.97 mg/kg), parasitological, virological and histopathological results indicate trichotecenes as the causative agents of this pathological condition.

[CliniTox: the computer-based information system for poisoning in farm animals]

Poisonings can cause reduced performance and severe economic loss in farm animals. A swift and targeted action is required from veterinarians. We have established a computer-based decision support system for poisonings in ruminants and pigs. The system offers access to the most recent information available in clinical toxicology of farm animals. Towards this goal, relevant reports from the peer-reviewed literature were evaluated and organised according to the requirements of a structured database. The information provided for each toxic substance includes a summary of its chemical and physical properties, sources, commercial uses or natural occurrences, toxicokinetic data, mechanisms of action, threshold doses, clinical symptoms with brief case reports, sampling and analytical results, post-mortem abnormalities, differential diagnoses, therapeutic guidelines and references to the literature. This decision support system has been programmed with two user-friendly search functions: a search tool that allows the choice of clinical and pathological findings, and another function that serves to find a substance using its chemical name, the class of compounds to wich it belongs, a possible source or one of its main applications. CliniTox can be accessed directly via our webserver (http://www.clinitox.ch).

Diagnosis and treatment of zinc poisoning in a dog

Acute zinc poisoning has been observed in dogs following the ingestion of metallic zinc objects. A 1 1/2-y-old female miniature bull terrier exhibiting anorexia, vomiting, depression, fever (39.9 C), icterus and intravascular hemolysis was diagnosed with acute zinc poisoning. Anemia, Heinz body production, azotemia and bilirubinemia were also evident. Abnormal pancreatic, hepatic and renal functions were also apparent. A radio opaque object was observed in the stomach. Based upon an elevated plasma zinc level of 28.6 ppm, a tentative diagnosis of zinc poisoning was made. Following surgical removal of the metallic zinc object, a blood transfusion and fluid therapy were given to restore the normal blood volume. Heparin, Cephazolin and Raniditine were also given, although chelation therapy was not provided. Zinc levels in the plasma declined in a steady fashion (half-life = 7.6 d). Complications, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation, chronic pancreatitis, renal or hepatic failure, were not observed. By 20 d post surgery, only mild elevation of liver enzymes was evident. Measurements of the half-life of zinc may provide a useful indication of prognosis and the success of treatment.

Phosphate enema toxicosis in a pygmy goat wether

Phosphate enema toxicity was diagnosed in a 7-month-old, castrated male, pygmy goat. On presentation, clinical findings included mild depression, tachycardia, tachypnea, rumen stasis, muscle tremors, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyperphosphatemia, azotemia, and metabolic acidosis. Fluid diuresis and parenteral antimicrobial therapy resulted in recovery after 3 d of treatment.

Pesticide Poisoning Events in Wild Birds in Korea from 1998 to 2002

We describe cases of pesticide poisoning of wild birds diagnosed at the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (Kyunggi, Korea) from 1998 to 2002. Forty-one mortality events (759 birds) of 87 incidents (2,464 birds) investigated were associated with pesticide poisoning, and six organophosphates or carbamates were identified as being responsible for the poisoning. Phosphamidon was most frequently identified as the cause of poisoning, accounting for 23 mortality events. Other pesticides identified as poisons for birds were organophosphates monocrotophus, fenthion, parathion, EPN, and diazinon, and the carbamate carbofuran. Pesticide poisoning is a problem in wild birds in Korea.

Abdominal fat necrosis in a pygmy goat associated with fescue toxicosis

Abdominal fat necrosis was diagnosed in an 11-year-old female pygmy goat with a 10-day history of lethargy, anorexia, and progressive abdominal distension. Gross necropsy findings revealed multiple firm, dark yellow, nodular masses of fat throughout the abdominal cavity, which compressed several abdominal organs including the rumen, small intestine, spiral colon, and gall bladder. Histologically, multiple to coalescing adipocyte necrosis, saponification, and infiltration with variable numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells was observed. Fat necrosis in this case was attributed to tall fescue toxicity based on the presence of high levels of endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected fescue identified in the goat's pasture. This is the first known report of abdominal fat necrosis in a goat and demonstrates the fat necrosis syndrome of fescue toxicosis in ruminants.

Accidental poisoning of 17 dogs with lasalocid

Over a period of 10 days, 17 dogs became weak and developed neurological deficits of different degrees of severity. About 12 hours before these clinical signs appeared they had all eaten a particular brand of commercial dog food from a recently opened bag. They were all quadriparetic and hyporeflexic, and some of them also showed additional systemic or neurological signs, including dyspnoea, a high body temperature, tongue laxity, hyperaesthesia and anisochoria. Serum biochemical abnormalities included high activities of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase. Analysis of the suspect food revealed high concentrations of the ionophore lasalocid. Fifteen of the dogs were given supportive treatment at home and two were hospitalised. Five of the dogs died, but the others improved gradually and had fully recovered by one to four days after the appearance of the clinical signs.

5-fluorouracil toxicity with severe bone marrow suppression in a dog

This report describes 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity in a dog that resulted in severe bone marrow suppression. The dog initially was presented with neurologic and gastrointestinal signs and developed pancytopenia characterized by severe neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Examination of bone marrow aspirate showed aplasia. The dog also had marked echinocytosis, which has been previously associated with in vitro 5-FU exposure. The patient was given aggressive supportive care and recovered within 25 d of exposure. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a case of 5-FU toxicity in a dog to include results of bone marrow examination, as well as the first to describe echinocytosis related to 5-FU toxicity.

Mass cyanide intoxication in sheep

An outbreak of cyanide poisoning that killed 56 ewes and 2 goats is reported. Fluid released into a ditch contained 1 g cyanide/L and produced toxicity in 3 ewes experimentally dosed with the liquid waste.

Beware of canine Gorilla Glue ingestions

Household adhesive ingestions are considered relatively non-toxic. Gorilla Glue is a household glue containing a urethane polymer and a polymeric isocyanate liquid compound available in container sizes of 2 to 36 oz, and when applied will expand to 3-4 times its original volume. We report the ingestion of Gorilla Glue by 2 dogs that caused obstructive masses requiring surgical intervention. Dogs with a history of Gorilla Glue ingestion should be monitored closely by their owners and a veterinary referral made if signs of gastrointestinal distress develop.

Avian mortality events in the United States caused by anticholinesterase pesticides: a retrospective summary of National Wildlife Health Center records from 1980 to 2000

We reviewed the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) mortality database from 1980 to 2000 to identify cases of poisoning caused by organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides. From the 35,022 cases from which one or more avian carcasses were submitted to the NWHC for necropsy, we identified 335 mortality events attributed to anticholinesterase poisoning, 119 of which have been included in earlier reports. Poisoning events were classified as confirmed (n = 205) when supported by findings of > or =50% inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity in brain tissue and the detection of a specific pesticide in the gastrointestinal contents of one or more carcasses. Suspected poisonings (n = 130) were defined as cases where brain ChE activity was > or =50% inhibited or a specific pesticide was identified in gastrointestinal contents. The 335 avian mortality events occurred in 42 states. Washington, Virginia, and Ohio had the highest frequency of events, with 24 (7.2%), 21 (6.3%), and 20 (6.0%) events, respectively. A total of 8877 carcasses of 103 avian species in 12 orders was recovered. Because carcass counts underestimate total mortality, this represents the minimum actual mortality. Of 24 different pesticides identified, the most frequent were famphur (n = 59: 18%), carbofuran (n = 52; 15%), diazinon (n = 40; 12%), and fenthion (n = 17; 5.1%). Falconiformes were reported killed most frequently (49% of all die-offs) but Anseriformes were found dead in the greatest numbers (64% of 8877 found dead). The majority of birds reported killed by famphur were Passeriformes and Falconiformes, with the latter found dead in 90% of famphur-related poisoning events. Carbofuran and famphur were involved in mortality of the greatest variety of species (45 and 33, respectively). Most of the mortality events caused by diazinon involved waterfowl.

[Computer-based information system (CliniTox) for the management of poisoning in small animals]

Because cases of poisoning are observed rarely, veterinary practitioners have only limited knowledge of clinical toxicology and may face considerable problems in handling toxicological emergencies. In this report, we describe a novel decision support system for the management of poisonings in companion animals that provides rapid access to the current knowledge of clinical toxicology. For that purpose, relevant reports from the peer-reviewed literature were evaluated and organised according to the requirements of a structured database. The information provided for each toxic substance includes a summary of its chemical and physical properties, sources, commercial uses or natural occurrences, toxicokinetic data, mechanisms of action, threshold doses, clinical symptoms with brief case reports, sampling and analytical results, post-mortem findings, differential diagnoses, therapeutic guidelines and references to the literature. This decision support system has been programmed with two user-friendly search functions: a search tool that allows to choose clinical symptoms, and another function that serves to find a substance using its chemical name, the class of compounds to wich it belongs, a possible source or one of its main applications. CliniTox can be accessed directly via our webserver (http://www.clinitox.ch).

Patterns of animal poisonings reported to the Texas Poison Center Network: 1998-2002

A portion of calls handled by poison centers involve poisonings of animals; however, information on such calls is limited. This study used data from poison centers in Texas collected during 1998-2002 to document the epidemiology of animal poisoning calls. There were a total of 24,467 animal poisoning calls, representing 2.0% of all calls. Dogs were affected in 87% of the calls and cats in 11%. The exposures were unintentional in 99% of the cases, occurred via ingestion in 95% and involved dermal exposure in 5% of the cases. Exposures occurred at the owner's own residence 91% of the time and were handled outside of health care facilities 61% of the time. The outcome involved no clinical effect for 60% of the cases involving dogs and 39% of the cases involving cats. Reported exposures occurred more often during the summer, and the most frequently reported exposures involved pesticides and plants. These findings were consistent with the limited reports from on poison center regarding animal poisonings.