Worm medication used orally and parenterally in most species (Heartguard, Ivomec, Eqvalen, Zimecterin) Cumulative toxicant Young animals more susceptible Often a problem in dogs given horse paste
Ivermectin
Dogs-6ug/kg =heartworm preventive dose; 2.5 mg/kg PO =mydriasis, 5mg/kg PO= muscle tremors, 40 mg/kg PO= death Collies, Aust. Shepherd, Shelties, Border Collies0.1 -0.2 mg/kg PO or SC causes toxicity and death Cats-0.5mg/kg=mydriasis and tremors Equine-2mg/kg=ataxia and blindness Cattle and Sheep-4mg/kg=ataxia/death
Ivermectin
Mechanism of action is to increase GABA release, affinity of GABA receptor and direct GABA agonist Onset time is hours to 1 day, affects CNS Clinical signs-hypersalivation (dogs), tremors, bradycardia, convulsions, coma, mydriasis, blindness, ataxia Can see anaphylactic reactions in dogs No visible lesions
Ivermectin
Diagnosis
History of administration Brain ivermectin concentration >100ppb
Treatment
Short acting barbiturate for convulsions (no benzos) IV physostigmine (0.04mg/kg) BID in comatose animals Flumanezil and moxidectin-expt. Benzo antagonists Epinephrine, fluids for anaphylaxis
Household Cleaners
Product warning label indicates level of toxicity
No label = LD50 > 5 g/kg Caution = 0.5 5 g/kg Warning = 50 500 mg/kg Danger: Poison = <50 mg/kg
Disinfectant Cleaners
Products like Lysol contain phenolic compounds mixed with detergents Pine oil based compounds like Pine Sol These products are especially toxic to cats due to metabolism by glucuronidation; can cause liver injury, jaundice, and renal damage in conjunction with GI problems Phenolics also found in creosote and tar paper; watch out for pigs
Alkaline Compounds
Ammonia, Oven Cleaner, Most Drain Openers All have pH of >12 which can cause burns (ulcerations) Ulcers can be very severe, especially with granular drain openers Ingestions causes GI ulcerations, vomiting, salivation, dysphagia (esophageal stricture), dyspnea Bleach and scouring powders with bleach usually not high enough pH to cause ulceration; can be a problem if mixed with ammonia = chloramine gas
Acidic Compounds
Toilet bowl cleaners, concrete cleaner, Lime-A-Way, some drain openers Can cause severe burns, but usually not as deep as alkali Signs and treatment similar to alkaline products
Petroleum Products
Gasoline, mineral spirits, kerosene, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, solvents, motor oil, furniture polish Biggest worry is aspiration causing hydrocarbon pneumonia Pneumonia risk related to viscosity; less viscous = more toxic
Oak poisoning
Cases have relatively low morbidity with moderate mortality (35-80%) Animals usually ingested acorns for 1 week prior to signs Symptoms are primarily renal and GI-anorexia, depression, weakness and possible nasal discharge; progresses to rumen atony, black tarry diarrhea, ventral edema, dehydration. terminal animals are often recumbent near water
Cyanogenetic Plants
Wild and choke cherry, Sudan and Johnson grass, Flax, Sugar beet tops, Arrow grass contain glycosides with cyanide groups
Thiaminases
Horsetails and Bracken Ferns Thiaminases destroy thiamine causing neurological problems; causes aplastic anemia in ruminants Primarily affects horses and ruminants Usually occurs if other forage is inadequate
Bracken Fern
Castor Bean
Common plant in S. Florida Mole plant Seeds are extremely toxic due to ricin
Oleander
Contains cardiac glycosides (much like digitalis) Highly toxic
Cassia
Coffeeweed, sicklepod Causes muscle degeneration
Crotalaria
Rattlebox Causes liver injury
Sesbania
Seeds are most toxic part Produce severe hemorrhagic or necrotic enteritis
Cestrum
Day and night blooming jessamine Contains Vitamin D Kidney damage
Lantana
Causes photosensitization secondary to liver injury