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Aleksic Radojkovic J, Nesic V, Ilic Bozovic A, Davitkov D, Djuric M, Krstic V, Davitkov D. Cruelty toward Dogs and Cats in the Republic of Serbia during a 10-Year Period. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1926. [PMID: 38998038 PMCID: PMC11240463 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to point out the importance of recognizing non-accidental injuries (NAI) and to highlight the importance of reporting such cases, as well as prosecuting the perpetrators, in order to detect potentially existing violence or prevent future violence in society. A total of 338 dogs and 54 cats were submitted for necropsy. Out of 338 dogs examined, 175 (51.8%) died due to non-natural cause of death, 122 from natural causes (36.1%), and 35 (10.3%) due to accidental injuries, and in 6 cases (1.8%) the cause and manner of death were undetermined due to advanced post-mortal changes. Out of 54 examined cats, 21 died due to non-natural causes (38.9%) and the same number of cats died due to natural causes. The prevalence of accidental injuries resulting in death were 20.4% (n = 11) and in 1.8% (n = 1) the manner of death remained indeterminate. The high number of animals confirmed to have died from unnatural causes in this study highlights the need for greater involvement from the police, prosecution, and society as a whole to reduce the number of violent animal deaths in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Aleksic Radojkovic
- Department of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.A.R.); (V.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Vladimir Nesic
- Department of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.A.R.); (V.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Anja Ilic Bozovic
- Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.B.); (M.D.); (V.K.)
| | - Darko Davitkov
- Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.B.); (M.D.); (V.K.)
| | - Milos Djuric
- Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.B.); (M.D.); (V.K.)
| | - Vanja Krstic
- Department of Equine, Small Animal, Poultry and Wild Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.I.B.); (M.D.); (V.K.)
| | - Dajana Davitkov
- Department of Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, Bulevar oslobodjenja 18, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.A.R.); (V.N.); (D.D.)
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Schweikle S, Häser A, Wetters S, Raisin M, Greiner M, Rigbers K, Fischer U, Pietsch K, Suntz M, Nick P. DNA barcoding as new diagnostic tool to lethal plant poisoning in herbivorous mammals. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292275. [PMID: 37967132 PMCID: PMC10650979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable identification of plant species in the digestive tract of a deceased animal often represents the major key to diagnose a lethal intoxication with poisonous plants in veterinary pathology. In many cases, identification of the species is challenging or even impossible because the diagnostic morphological features have been degraded, and because the interpretation of such features requires a considerable expertise in plant anatomy and biodiversity. The use of DNA barcoding markers can support or even replace classical morphological assessment. While these markers have been widely used for plant taxonomy, their forensic application to clarify causes of animal poisoning is novel. In addition, we use specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms as fingerprints. This allows for a clear decision even in cases, where the conventionally used statistical e-values remain ambiguous. In the current work, we explore the feasibility of this strategy in a couple of exemplary cases, either in concert with anatomical diagnostics, or in cases where visual species identification is not possible, or where chemical toxin detection methods are not well established, complex, time consuming and expensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Schweikle
- Molecular Cell Biology, Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Annette Häser
- Molecular Cell Biology, Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Sascha Wetters
- Molecular Cell Biology, Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Moses Raisin
- Molecular Cell Biology, Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maica Greiner
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Kerstin Rigbers
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrike Fischer
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Pietsch
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Michael Suntz
- State Institute for Chemical and Veterinary Analysis Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Peter Nick
- Molecular Cell Biology, Botanical Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Soleng A, Edgar KS, von Krogh A, Seljetun KO. Suspected rodenticide exposures in humans and domestic animals: Data from inquiries to the Norwegian Poison Information Centre, 2005-2020. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278642. [PMID: 36480523 PMCID: PMC9731470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent control is necessary to prevent damage and spread of disease, and the most common pesticides used for urban and rural rodent control are anticoagulant rodenticides. The aim of this present study was to present data on suspected exposure to rodenticides in humans and domestic animals in Norway based on inquiries to the Norwegian Poison Information Centre in the 16-year period from 2005 through 2020. A total of 4235 inquiries regarding suspected exposures to rodenticides were registered in the study period. Of these, 1486 inquiries involved humans and 2749 animals. Second generation anticoagulants were involved in 68% of human exposures and 79% of animal exposures. Dogs were the most frequent species involved in the animal exposures with 93% of the inquiries, while cats were second most frequent involved. Around 50% of the human inquiries concerned children at the age of 0-4 years. Only 2% of the cases were in the age group 10-19 years, while adults comprised 35% of the inquiries. Acute poisonings accounted for almost 100% of the inquiries among both humans and animals. The exposure was accidental in 99% of the animal exposures and in 85% of the human exposures. In humans, only 14 inquiries were regarding occupational related accidents. Misdeed or self-inflicted injury accounted for 15% of the human inquiries and were the cause of 79% of the severe poisonings. Severe poisoning was only assessed in 1% of the cases involving children under 5 years. In contrast, 17% of the inquiries concerning adults (≥20 years) were assessed as severe. Subsequently, to prevent human and animal rodenticide exposure, we urge the use of non-chemical methods such as sanitation, rodent proofing (a form of construction which will impede or prevent rodents access to or from a given space or building) and mechanical traps. Restricting the use of rodenticides to professional pest controllers (or other persons with authorisation), reinforcing high quality education of these persons, and securing compliance of the best codes of practice could be advocated to reduce accidental exposure to rodenticides in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnulf Soleng
- Department of Pest Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Anita von Krogh
- Norwegian Poison Information Centre, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Runft S, Mischke R, Hoppe S, Hewicker-Trautwein M. [Acute liver failure in a dog after mushroom intake, presumably of the genus Amanita]. TIERAERZTLICHE PRAXIS AUSGABE KLEINTIERE HEIMTIERE 2021; 49:382-389. [PMID: 34670314 DOI: 10.1055/a-1584-6098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A 4-year-old, neutered male Husky-mix dog weighing 29.4 kg that reportedly ingested a mushroom most likely of the genus Amanita one day prior to presentation exhibited signs of diarrhea, vomitus, inappetence and progressively worsening lethargy. Clinical chemistry revealed hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, decreased prothrombin and thromboplastin time, as well as increased liver enzyme activities. Despite hospitalization and supportive therapy over a period of 3 days the dog's general condition worsened leading to euthanasia. The pathomorphological findings were characterized by hemorrhage in several organs, hemorrhagic ingesta, icterus, and marked hepatic cellular necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Runft
- Institut für Pathologie, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
| | - Reinhard Mischke
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
| | - Sonja Hoppe
- Klinik für Kleintiere, Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
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Characterization of Suspected Crimes against Companion Animals in Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092744. [PMID: 34573710 PMCID: PMC8464926 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Crimes against companion animals are universal and represent a major problem in human/animal interaction. This study characterizes forensic cases received at the Laboratory of Pathology of the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Investigation (Vairão, Portugal) since the enforcement of the Portuguese law that criminalizes the mistreatment and abandonment of companion animals. Based on the consult of 160 data files of forensic necropsies analyzed for this study, the suspicion of prior crime against companion animal was confirmed in 38 cases (24%). Most of the assaulted animals were medium-size (57%) male (58%) dogs (87%) of crossbreed (55%), whose death was related to blunt force trauma (31%), firearms (27%), poisoning (27%), and asphyxiation (15%). However, in cats, death was related to blunt force trauma only (100%). In Portugal, violence against animals is a reality and the complaint of these crimes is gradually increasing due to the population’s raising awareness about animal rights. Abstract Animal crimes are a widespread phenomenon with serious implications for animal welfare, individual well-being and for society in general. These crimes are universal and represent a major problem in human/animal interaction. In Portugal, current law 69/2014 criminalizes the mistreatment and abandonment of companion animals. This study characterizes forensic cases received at the Laboratory of Pathology of the National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Investigation (Vairão) since the enforcement of the aforementioned legislation. A retrospective study was carried out based on the consult of 160 data files of forensic necropsies from 127 dogs and 33 cats. Necropsies confirmed prior crime suspicion in 38 cases (24%), from which 33 were dogs and five were cats. Among confirmed cases, most of assaulted animals were medium-size (57%), crossbreed (55%) male (58%) dogs (87%), which were the victims of blunt force trauma (31%), firearms (27%), poisoning (27%) and asphyxiation (15%). In cats, most of the assaulted animals were juvenile (60%) females (60%) of unknown breed (40%), which suffered blunt force trauma (100%) as the only cause of death. The present study shows that violence against animals is a reality, and complaints about these crimes are gradually increasing due to the population’s raising awareness about animal rights. Greater communication and coordination between clinicians, veterinary pathologists, and law enforcement officers are essential to validate and legally support these cases and subject them to trial.
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Valverde I, Espín S, Gómez-Ramírez P, Navas I, María-Mojica P, Sánchez-Virosta P, Jiménez P, Torres-Chaparro MY, García-Fernández AJ. Wildlife poisoning: a novel scoring system and review of analytical methods for anticoagulant rodenticide determination. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:767-782. [PMID: 33864551 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are commonly used to control rodent populations and frequently involved in wildlife and domestic animal poisoning. These poisoning cases (especially for ARs) are a challenge for forensic toxicologists, and adequate post-mortem examination and toxicological analyses become essential for a proper diagnosis. Publications describing different analytical methods for AR analysis in biological samples are growing, and a clear compilation of the overall picture is needed to standardize methodologies in future research. This review aims to compile and compare the analytical procedures applied for AR determination in the literature. Using this information, a scoring system was developed for those techniques using liver and blood as matrices, and the techniques were ranked considering different criteria (i.e. sample amount required, recoveries, limits of quantification (LOQs), number of ARs analysed, points of the calibration curve and multi-class methods). This review shows an overview of the main methods used for AR analysis in forensic toxicology and will help to elucidate future directions to improve multi-residue techniques to detect the ARs involved in wildlife lethal poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valverde
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Espín
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
- "Santa Faz" Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Consellería de Agricultura, Medio Ambiente, Cambio Climático y Desarrollo Rural, Alicante, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Y Torres-Chaparro
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary Service, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
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Lizarraga I, Parton K. A survey of animal poisonings in New Zealand veterinary practices: perceptions of incidence and frequency of poisoning cases. N Z Vet J 2021; 69:349-354. [PMID: 34078247 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1936684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To survey New Zealand veterinary practices on the incidence and frequency of animal poisonings encountered over a 1-year period. METHODS A national questionnaire-based cross-sectional online survey was made available to all members of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, active as of 2010, via an email supplying a link to the questionnaire. Veterinary practices listed by the Veterinary Council of New Zealand were also contacted via email or phone. Respondents entered their information on the online survey site or provided a hard copy of their responses, which were then entered by the authors into the database. The questionnaire contained a mixture of tick box options and short answer questions. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Of 463 veterinary practices deemed eligible to complete the survey, 120 (25.9%) responded to the survey. However, only 94 (78.3%) questionnaire entries (78.3%) were deemed adequate for analysis. Veterinary practices (45 mixed practices, 38 companion animal-only practices, nine large animal practices, and two equine-only practices) from 14/16 regions of New Zealand were represented. All respondents affirmed that in the last 12 months, cases of suspected poisoning in animals were attended by veterinarians at their practices and estimated a total of 5,326 poisoning cases. The subcategories most commonly associated with estimated cases of poisoning were pasture mycotoxins (2,133/5,326; 40%), anticoagulant rodenticides (753/5,326; 14.1%), plants (469/5,326; 8.8%), slug/snail baits (305/5,326; 5.7%) and chocolate (221/5,326; 4.1%). Except for anticoagulant rodenticides (once a month), and slug/snail baits, human prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and chocolate (once a year), the majority of respondents reported toxicants caused poisonings seasonally or infrequently. CONCLUSIONS A variety of poisons were encountered with environmental toxins and household pest control agents being the most common cause of poisoning for animals attended by veterinarians in New Zealand. Most cases of poisoning in animals occurred seasonally or infrequently. Further research is needed to determine the actual number of animals poisoned, the affected species, and the seasons when poisoning occurs in New Zealand. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This report provides baseline information on cases of poisoning in animals in New Zealand which could be used for case management, prevention through client education, and poisoning risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Lizarraga
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K Parton
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Bertero A, Davanzo F, Rivolta M, Cortinovis C, Vasquez A, Le Mura A, Masuelli A, Caloni F. Plants and zootoxins: Toxico-epidemiological investigation in domestic animals. Toxicon 2021; 196:25-31. [PMID: 33798604 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
An epidemiological study on animal poisoning due to plants and zootoxins has been carried out by the Poison Control Centre of Milan (CAV) in collaboration with the University of Milan (Italy). During the period January 2015-March 2019, the CAV received 932 calls on animal poisonings, 12.66% (n = 118) of which were related to plants and zootoxins. Among these, 95 enquiries (80.51%) concerned exposures to plants and 23 (19.49%) to zootoxins. The dog was the species most frequently involved (67.80% of the calls, n = 80), followed by the cat (26.27%, n = 31). As for the plants, several poisoning episodes were related to glycoside-, alkaloid-, oxalate- and diterpenoid-containing species. Cycas revoluta, Euphorbia pulcherrima and Hydrangea macrophylla were the most often reported plants. The outcome has been reported for half of the episodes (51.58%, n = 49) and it was fatal for 3 animals (6.12%). Regarding the zootoxins, the majority of the enquiries were related to asp viper (Vipera aspis), but exposures to pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), common toad (Bufo), fire salamander (Salamandra), and jellyfish (phylum Cnidaria) were also reported. The outcome was known in 65.22% of the cases with just one fatal episode. This epidemiological investigation depicts an interesting overview on the issue of plant and zootoxin exposures in domestic animals, highlighting the relevance of these agents as causes of animal poisoning and providing useful information for prevention and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Davanzo
- Milan Poison Control Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Rivolta
- Milan Poison Control Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cortinovis
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Anita Vasquez
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Le Mura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Asja Masuelli
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Swirski AL, Pearl DL, Berke O, O'Sullivan TL. Companion animal exposures to potentially poisonous substances reported to a national poison control center in the United States in 2005 through 2014. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:517-530. [PMID: 32808903 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.5.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate data concerning suspected companion animal exposures to possibly hazardous substances reported during telephone calls to the US Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) for characterization of dog and cat exposures to potentially toxic substances in the United States. SAMPLE Household-level poisonings events involving dogs and cats in the United States that were reported to the APCC in 2005 through 2014. PROCEDURES Substances involved in reported poisonings of dogs and cats were classified into 20 general categories, and descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine the most common categories. Case fatality ratios were estimated for all exposure categories for which a final outcome status of the affected animal was documented. RESULTS Over the 10-year study period, 241,261 household-level poisoning events were reported to the APCC from across the United States, of which 86.0% and 14.0% involved dogs and cats, respectively. The most common agent categories reported for dogs included human medicines, foods, and pesticides. The most common agent categories reported for cats included human medicines, plants, and veterinary medicines. Chocolate and Lilium plants were the most commonly reported exposures of dogs and cats, respectively. Fluorouracil (65.2%) and bifenthrin (66.7%) were found to have the highest case fatality ratio for dogs and cats, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The APCC call data can be used to identify the most common toxicological exposures of dogs and cats, understand the epidemiological aspects of these poisonings, and inform education programs for owners and veterinarians. Data from the APCC may be suitable for surveillance of toxicological exposures of companion animals in the United States.
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Moshobane MC, Bertero A, Marks C, Stephen C, Mothapo NP, Middleton L, Caloni F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. Vet Rec Open 2020; 7:e000402. [PMID: 33262890 PMCID: PMC7678378 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is extensive literature on animal poisoning from plants and mushrooms worldwide; however, there is limited account of poisoning from South Africa. Methods This study sought to describe and provide an overview of animal poison exposures in South Africa. Poisoning episodes reported to the Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape, jointly run by the Poisons Information Centres at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital over a period of approximately 2.5 years, from June 2015 to November 2017, were analysed to identify exposure patterns, severity and clinical outcomes. Results Alien plant species accounted for most cases (n=10) of reported poison exposures. Among the 26 recorded animal poisoning episodes, the dog was the most commonly implicated species (n=24), whereas just two enquiries were related to other animals (one rabbit and one cow). There were 20 plant cases and 6 mushroom cases (all dogs). There was only one fatal case involving cycad in a dog. Conclusion Features of animal poisoning in South Africa were similar to those in other countries. The reported cases of animals exposed to poisonous plants and mushrooms could represent only a fraction of the actual exposures. Since most reported cases involved taxa that could not be identified to species level, more attention should be paid in case reporting and in animal poisoning prevention, engaging the public to enable people to recognise potentially hazardous plants and reduce the risk of poisoning in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moleseng Claude Moshobane
- Department of Biological Invasions, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.,Department of Biology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carine Marks
- Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre, Division Clinical Pharmacology, Stellenbosch University - Tygerberg Campus, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Cindy Stephen
- Poisons Information Centre, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Natasha Palesa Mothapo
- Division for Research and Development, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Lorraine Middleton
- Department of Biology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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Valverde I, Espín S, Gómez-Ramírez P, Navas I, Sánchez-Virosta P, Torres-Chaparro MY, Jiménez P, María-Mojica P, García-Fernández AJ. Temporal Persistence of Bromadiolone in Decomposing Bodies of Common Kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus). TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040098. [PMID: 33171863 PMCID: PMC7711720 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bromadiolone is a second generation anticoagulant rodenticide (SGAR) used to control pest rodents worldwide. SGARs are frequently involved in secondary poisoning in rodent predators due to their persistence and toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the persistence of bromadiolone in liver at different stages of carcass decomposition in experimentally-dosed common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) to understand the possibility of detecting bromadiolone in cases of wildlife poisoning and the potential risk of tertiary poisoning. Twelve individuals were divided into the bromadiolone-dose group (dosed with 55 mg/kg b.w) and the control group. Hepatic bromadiolone concentrations found in each stage of decomposition were: 3000, 2891, 4804, 4245, 8848, and 756 ng/g dry weight at 1–2 h (fresh carcass), 24 h (moderate decomposition), 72 h, 96 h (advanced decomposition), seven days (very advanced decomposition), and 15 days (initial skeletal reduction) after death, respectively. Liver bromadiolone concentrations in carcasses remained relatively stable over the first four days and raised on day 7 of decomposition under the specific conditions of this experiment, presenting a risk of causing tertiary poisoning. However, at the initial skeletal reduction stage, liver bromadiolone concentration declined, which should be considered to interpret toxicological analyses and for proper diagnosis. This experimental study provides for the first time some light to better understand the degradation of SGARs in carcasses in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Valverde
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Silvia Espín
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (A.J.G.-F.); Tel.: +34-868884317 (S.E.); +34-868887021 (A.J.G.-F.)
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Isabel Navas
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Pablo Sánchez-Virosta
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - María Y. Torres-Chaparro
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
- Santa-Faz Wildlife Recovery Center, Consellería de Agricultura, Desarrollo Rural, Emergencia Climática y Transición Ecológica, Alicante, 03559 Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Antonio J. García-Fernández
- Service of Toxicology and Forensic Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (I.V.); (P.G.-R.); (I.N.); (P.S.-V.); (M.Y.T.-C.); (P.J.); (P.M.-M.)
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (A.J.G.-F.); Tel.: +34-868884317 (S.E.); +34-868887021 (A.J.G.-F.)
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12
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Bertero A, Rivolta M, Davanzo F, Caloni F. Suspected environmental poisoning by drugs, household products and pesticides in domestic animals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 80:103471. [PMID: 32818631 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Animal poisoning by chemicals (pesticides and household products) and drugs is a frequent occurrence and special attention should be paid to this phenomenon to improve prevention and treatment strategies and because of the fundamental role that animals may play as bioindicators. From January 2017 to March 2019 the Poison Control Centre of Milan (CAV) in collaboration with the University of Milan, collected and analyzed epidemiological data on animal poisoning. During this period, the CAV received a total of 442 enquiries on domestic animal poisoning episodes and, among these, 80.3 % were related to chemicals and drugs. Pesticides and drugs were the two major causes of poisoning (34.1 % and 33.5 %, respectively), followed by household products (29.3 %) and other causative agents (3.1 %, n = 11). In conclusion, these findings can provide useful information for the identification and monitoring of known and emerging toxicants, with positive repercussions on human, animal and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Universitàdegli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Rivolta
- Milan Poison Control Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Davanzo
- Milan Poison Control Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell'Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Universitàdegli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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13
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Bertero A, Fossati P, Caloni F. Indoor poisoning of companion animals by chemicals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:139366. [PMID: 32446086 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Episodes of indoor exposure to toxic compounds in companion animals are frequent. Toxico-epidemiological data on this matter are fundamental not only to take proper corrective actions but especially because domestic animals represent crucial sentinels for environmental toxicants. In this review we will present an overview on indoor poisoning of companion animals by chemicals in Europe, providing information on trends and emphasizing emerging indoor contaminants. In general, pesticides are the most frequent class of toxicants involved in indoor animal poisoning episodes in Europe. Among them, insecticides (in particular anticholinesterase compounds) and anticoagulant rodenticides are frequently implicated, but molluscicides (i.e. metaldehyde) together with household products have also shown a growing or at least stable trend in the poisoning episodes. Considering the emerging molecules, neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and acetamiprid) and glyphosate formulations have been pointed out, whereas with regard to households, besides the well-known ethylene glycol, attention should be paid to emerging products such as sodium polyacrylate polymeric hydrogels, xylitol, glowsticks and liquid laundry detergent capsules. The environmental contamination by chemical households is a global challenge and bioindicators like pets may be valuable tools to perform a comprehensive monitoring and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Fossati
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety "Carlo Cantoni" (VESPA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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14
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Bertero A, Fossati P, Caloni F. Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:487. [PMID: 32851047 PMCID: PMC7427442 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor plant poisoning poses serious threats to companion animals. One of the major reasons of this kind of hazard can be identified in the increased amount of time that the pets spend indoor, sharing the domestic environment with their owners. In this review, the toxic houseplants most commonly associated with companion animal poisoning in Europe and well-documented in the literature are emphasized. An analysis of the major and emerging plant species accountable for companion animal poisoning is proposed, in order to provide a framework of the factors influencing these incidents. Indeed, knowing the way substances may induce toxic effects in companion animals can be useful in allowing easier diagnosis and treatment processes. In conclusion, the Authors argue that a better characterization of the phenomenon, as well as of its extent, would be allowed by the availability of a centralized system for the data collection. Furthermore, better information and awareness on the issue may help developing a focused corrective approach to prevent indoor pet poisoning in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bertero
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Fossati
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety "Carlo Cantoni" (VESPA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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15
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Bertero A, Chiari M, Vitale N, Zanoni M, Faggionato E, Biancardi A, Caloni F. Types of pesticides involved in domestic and wild animal poisoning in Italy. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:136129. [PMID: 31869614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Data obtained from samples of poisoned domestic and wild animals sent for toxicological evaluation during the period between 2005 and 2014 have been analyzed. Among the 4606 tested samples, the majority of which were collected in the northern regions of Italy, 2006 (43.55%) were found positive for pesticides. Analytical detections were performed via solvent extraction followed by separation and chromatographic characterization and all the methods applied for the toxicological investigations were developed by IZSLER. Insecticides, mainly represented by acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (carbamates 17.55%, n = 352; organophosphates 15.15%, n = 304) and organochlorines (29.21%, n = 586), were found to be the first category of pesticides involved in intoxications, in both domestic and in wild animals, followed by rodenticides (anticoagulant rodenticides 21.09%, n = 423; zinc phosphide 2.59%, n = 52; chloralose 0.95%, n = 19 and thallium 0.15%, n = 3) and molluscicides (metaldehyde 6.63%, n = 133). Second and third generation anticoagulants (bromadiolone and brodifacoum) were the most represented (10.52%, n = 211) but also first generation compounds (i.e. coumatetralyl and warfarin) were still found responsible of intoxications. Even if some pesticides are frequently involved in domestic animal poisoning (i.e. metaldehyde and strychnine), they did not show the same diffusion in wild animals. In particular, unlike domestic species, cyanide and pyrethroids have not been found responsible of intoxications in wild animals. Interestingly, a great number of positive samples involved banned pesticides like α- (14.41%, n = 289) and β- (14.16%, n = 284) endosulfan, carbofuran (5.73%, n = 115), methamidophos (9.47%, n = 190), strychnine (6.23%, n = 125) but, on the other hand, many positives were due to the exposure to commercially available products (i.e. metaldehyde and anticoagulant rodenticides). Thus, together with measures aimed to reduce illegal uses, educational campaigns and a wider range of compounds to detect would be beneficial in order to address the issue of animal poisoning, which besides has also repercussions on environmental and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Chiari
- D.G. Welfare, Regional Health Authority of Lombardy, 20124 Milan, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Zanoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Faggionato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Biancardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER) "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Caloni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Lahmar R, Berny P, Mahjoub T, Ben Youssef S. Animal Pesticide Poisoning in Tunisia. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:369. [PMID: 31750320 PMCID: PMC6848385 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period from 2014 to 2017, a retrospective study on pesticide poisoning in domestic animals and livestock was compiled and then analyzed. A total of 71 pesticide analyses have been submitted to the Pharmacy and Toxicology Laboratory of the School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet in Tunisia. All the cases were first referred either through the clinical and/or pathological departments of the Veterinary School, the private and/or governmental veterinarians or directly by the pet owners. Among the total number of the suspected samples, 21 (29.6%) cases were found positive for various kinds of pesticides. Carbamate insecticides were the most frequently implicated pesticide (52.4% of the total positive cases), followed by organophosphate insecticides (19%), then rodenticides-anticoagulants and rodenticides non-anticoagulants (14.3% each). Therefore, carbamates and organophosphates are the most implicated group of pesticides in intoxications (71.4%). Among the 21 positive cases were 11 dogs, 4 cats, 3 poultry, 2 ruminants, and 1 case of bee poisoning. Partition chromatography (HPLC) has been used to characterize the incriminated pesticides. The aim of this survey was to determine incidence and characteristics of pesticide poisoning in domestic and farm animals in Tunisia. The reported results are useful for epidemiological cartography and medical management of intoxicated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rym Lahmar
- Pharmacy-Toxicology, University of Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Berny
- Pharmacy-Toxicology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Lyon, France
| | - Tarek Mahjoub
- Biochemistry, University of Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Samir Ben Youssef
- Pharmacy-Toxicology, University of Manouba, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Nagy AL, Cortinovis C, Spicer LJ, Perego MC, Caloni F. Long-established and emerging pesticide poisoning in horses. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. L. Nagy
- Department of Veterinary Toxicology; University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine; Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | | | - L. J. Spicer
- Department of Animal Science; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater Oklahoma USA
| | - M. C. Perego
- Department of Animal Science; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater Oklahoma USA
| | - F. Caloni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET); Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan Italy
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18
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Noble PJM, Newman J, Wyatt AM, Radford AD, Jones PH. Heightened risk of canine chocolate exposure at Christmas and Easter. Vet Rec 2017; 181:684. [PMID: 29263290 PMCID: PMC5749306 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter-John M Noble
- Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Institute of Veterinary Science, Neston, UK
| | - Jenny Newman
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Neston, UK
| | - Alison M Wyatt
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Veterinary Science, Neston, UK
| | - Alan D Radford
- Department of Infection Biology, University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Neston, UK
| | - Philip H Jones
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Neston, UK
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