Toxicology and Poisonous Plants

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Toxicology and Poisonous Plants

• Small Animal and Caged Bird Medicine
• Dr. Randy Ackman

2
Ethylene Glycol

• Ethylene glycol
• Antifreeze and some snowglobes
• .5ml/lb toxicity
• Sweet smelling and tasting
• Seasonal
• Spring
• Fall
• Toxic compound
• Glycolic acid (glycolate)
• Oxalate and oxalic acid
• Combines with calcium
• Renal tubular damage

http//www.cfainc.org/articles/antifreeze.html
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Antifreeze

• Clinical signs
• Initially first 24 hours
• Intoxication
• First hours 1-3
• Vomiting
• Ataxia
• Knuckling
• PU/PD
• Dehydration
• Depression

http//antizol.info/egpoisono.htm
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Antifreeze

• Diagnosis
• Ethylene glycol in serum
• Calcium oxalate crystals in urine
• 3-5 hours after ingestion
• High osmolar gap
• Hypocalcemia
• Azotemia
• BUN elevated
• Creatinine elevated
• Isothenuria
• 1.008-1.012 SG

http//www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/Torres/
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Antifreeze

• Clinical signs
• Second Phase
• Renal failure (acute)
• Anuria
• Depression
• Encephalopathy
• Coma
• Death

http//www.parkvets.com/images/fittingcat-lg.jpg
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Antifreeze

• Treatment
• Must be started early
• Emetics
• Activated charcoal
• Fluid therapy
• 4-MP
• 4 methylpyrazole
• Ethanol
• Everclear

http//www.sierraantifreeze.com/
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Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Warfarin
Brodifacum
http//arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/mi
sc_topics/dcon.jpg
http//www.westernranchsupply.com/blowup.php3?item
_id5504
Bromadiolone
Diphacinone
http//www.medpest.com/ro1.htm
http//www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/contracbulk.jp
g
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Anticoagulant Rodenticides

• Anticoagulants
• Inhibit vitamin K synthesis of prothrombin
• Older baits
• Warfarin
• Newer genertions
• Longer lasting
• Weeks
• Brodifacoum
• Diphacinone
• Bromadiolone

http//www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/Harrell/
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Anticoagulants
http//arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/mi
sc_topics/vitamink.gif
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Anticoagulant Rodenticide

• Clinical signs
• Lethargy
• Respiratory distress
• Dyspnea
• Petechiae
• Ecchymosis
• Internal hemorrhage
• Abdomen
• Thorax

http//www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile
htm/bc/10200.htm
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Anticoagulant Rodenticide

• Diagnosis
• Hx of exposure
• Compatible signs
• Extended prothrombin time (PT)
• Response to therapy
• Therapy
• Vitamin K
• Injectable and oral
• Oxygen
• Blood transfusion
• Prevent pulmonary edema

http//www.whvc.co.uk/images/animals/dogtyping.jpg
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Acetaminophen

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Cats more susceptible
• Lack glucoronyl transferase
• 1 ES could be fatal
• Hemoglobin oxidized to methemoglobin

http//www.manekineko.us/catalog/images/product/ty
lenol_caplets_325_enlarge.jpg
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Acetaminophen

• Clinical signs
• Hemolysis
• Icterus
• Anemia
• Hemoglobinuria
• Cyanosis
• Edema
• Face
• Heinz bodies
• Treatment
• N-acetylcysteine
• Supportive
• Methylene Blue
• Vitamin C

http//www.vetinfo.com/cptoxic.html
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Zinc Toxicity

• Zinc
• 1983 pennies (96 zinc)
• Ingested
• Clinical signs
• Depression
• Hemolytic anemia
• Abdominal discomfort
• V/D
• Red urine
• Icterus

http//www.econedlink.org/lessons/em179/images/pen
ny.jpg
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Zinc Toxicity

• Diagnosis
• Radiographs
• Elevated pancreatic and hepatic enzymes
• Anemia
• Serum Zn levels
• Therapy
• Remove source
• Fluids /- transfusion
• Chelation
• EDTA

http//www.vh.org/pediatric/provider/pediatrics/En
doscopic/Stomach/coin.html
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Chocolate

• Chocolate
• Contain methylxanthines
• Theobromine
• Caffeine
• Theoophylline
• Factors affected level of toxicity
• Type of chocolate
• Amount consumed

http//mc.clintock.com/first_floor/kitchen/cabinet
_beside_refrigerator/upper_cabinet/bakers_chocolat
e.jpg
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Chocolate

• Theobromine
• Calculate amount ingested
• Symptoms
• Develop in 6-8 hours
• Sudden death
• Cardiac related
• Vomiting
• Thirst
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Muscle twitches

http//www.nsac.ns.ca/envsci/staff/jhoyle/students
/cs276gp3/page3.htm
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Chocolate
http//www.uoguelph.ca/cardiol/26.JPG
http//www.uoguelph.ca/cardiol/30.JPG

• Symptoms cont
• Seizures
• Tachycardia
• Arrhythmias

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Chocolate

• Therapy
• Stabilize patient
• Diazepam for seizures
• Monitor ECG for arrhythmia
• Liodocaine for PVC
• Treat tachycardia
• Metoprolol
• Treat bradycardia
• Atropine
• Avoid corticosteroids
• Delay elimiantion

• Therapy
• Gastric lavage
• Activated Charcoal
• Wrapped candy?
• Control vomiting
• Metoclopramide
• Intravenous fluids
• Enhance renal excretion
• Acid Base balance
• Monitor pancreatic enzymes

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Organophosphate

• Organophosphate (OP) Carbamates
• Usual use as pesticides
• Various strengths and formulations
• Malathion
• Anticholinesterase insecticides
• Ingestion
• Dermal contact
• Dips
• sprays

http//www.hilltopfeed.net/Qstore/uploads/fly_bait
3.jpg
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Organophosphate

• Organophospate
• Blocks bring down of acetylcholine
• Results in prolonged acetylcholine effect at
  synapse
• Parasympathetic
• Post ganglion neurons
• SLUD
• Salivation
• Lacrimation
• Urination
• Defecation

http//www.hosppract.com/issues/1998/11/stahl.htm
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Organophosphate

• Organophosphate
• Clinical signs
• Muscle fasciculations
• Constricted pupils
• Depression
• Bronchoconstriction
• Pulmonary congestion
• Pulmonary edema
• Death
• Diagnosis
• History
• SLUD
• Response to therapy
• Cholinesterase levels

http//www.hosppract.com/issues/1998/11/stahl.htm
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Organophosphates (OP)

• Treatment
• Supportive
• Remove agent
• Oxygen
• Fluids
• Atropine
• IV
• May require additional doses
• Is it working?
• 2-PAM
• Pralidoxime
• Begin early in treatment

http//www.buyemp.com/emp_prod/assets/product_imag
es/454hnew.jpg
http//compasnac.com/vetus/atroject_sa.jpg
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AZALEA - Rhododendron species

• Toxin
• Andromedotoxins (grayanotoxins)
• Clinical signs
• Salivation
• Burning sensation (mouth)
• Emesis
• Diarrhea
• Bradycardia AV block
• Death
• Treatment
• Atropine
• Supportive

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/pprhodo.htm
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FOXGLOVE - Digitalis purpurea

• Toxin
• Cardiac glycosides
• Digitalis
• Positive inotrope
• Clinical signs
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Heart block
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Death
• Therapy
• Supportive
• Arrhythmia therapy

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/2058
lg.jpg
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MARIJUANA - Cannabis sativa

• Toxin
• Tetrahydrocanibinol (THC)
• Clinical signs
• CNS Depression
• Muscle tremors
• Hyperexcitability
• Vomiting
• Salivation
• Diarrhea
• Therapy
• Supportive (high only few hours)
• Supportive
• Doritos and Twinkies (kidding)

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/150
7lg.jpg
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LILY Lilium species

• Toxin
• Unknown
• Clinical signs
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Anuria
• Renal failure
• Therapy
• Fluid diuresis

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides00/sl
ides2/lil2big.jpg
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PHILODENDRON - Philodendron species

• Toxin
• Aroids
• Oxalates
• Clinical signs
• Mouth irritation
• Tongue irritation
• Vomiting
• Severe
• Renal failure
• Therapy
• Supportive
• Analgesics
• Fluids

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/2035
lg.jpg
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DUMBCANE - Dieffenbachia sequine or picta

• Toxin
• Oxalates
• Clinical signs
• Mouth irritation
• Tongue irritation
• Vomiting
• Severe
• Renal failure
• Therapy
• Supportive
• Analgesics
• Fluids

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/2057
lg.jpg
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ONION - Allium cepa canadense

• Toxin
• N-propyl disulphide
• Clinical signs
• Pale mm
• Weak pulse
• Heinz body formation
• Anemia
• Weak
• Therapy
• May require transfusion
• Supportive

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides/1087
lg.jpg
http//www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/Tarigo/
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POINSETTIA - Euphorbia pulcherrima

• Not toxic
• Clinical signs
• Stomach upset
• Therapy
• None indicated

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides00/sl
ides2/euph2big.jpg
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RHUBARB - Rheum rhaponticum

• Toxin
• Oxalates
• Clinical signs
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Anuria
• Renal failure
• Therapy
• Supportive
• Diuresis

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides00/sl
ides2/rhm1big.jpg
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YEW, JAPANESE YEW - Taxus species

• Toxin
• Taxine alkaloids
• Clinical Signs
• Arrhythmia
• Death
• Trembling
• Muscle weakness
• Dyspnea
• Therapy
• Supportive
• Anti- arrhythmics
• Detoxify
• Atropine

http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/slides00/sl
ides2/tax2big.jpg
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Catnip - Nepeta cataria

• Not toxic
• Cats
• Ingest
• Short buzz or high
• Playful
• Goofy
• In numerous toys

http//www.agron.iastate.edu/weeds/Ag317-99/id/We
edID/catnip.html
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Febreze

• Urban Legend
• NOT TOXIC

http//vetmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.ht
m?zi1/XJsdnvetmedicinezuhttp3A2F2Fwww.home
madesimple.com2Ffebreze2Fpets.shtml
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Therapeutic agents
http//www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/products.asp?CID
1dept_id519Areabrowselist457c21
http//web1.caryacademy.org/chemistry/rushin/Stude
ntProjects/CompoundWebSites/2000/HydrogenPeroxide/
home.htm
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Therapeutics

• Good website for plants
• http//cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/index.html

http//www.thexton.com.au/product_images/large/OPT
-OH001.jpg