Arsenic Toxicosis

Arsenic Toxicosis



Basic Information  image



Definition


Arsenic toxicosis is the syndrome caused by exposure to injurious amounts of inorganic arsenic (trivalent arsenic, pentavalent arsenate) or organic arsenic (aliphatic, aromatic, and phenylarsenic compounds). Exposure can be by ingestion or by dermal contact. Possible sources of arsenic include older formulation of some insecticides, rodenticides, herbicides, fungicides, and defoliants or desiccants; ashes from arsenic-treated lumber; contaminated water and soil sources; and feed additives for poultry and swine. Arsenic can also be found in mine tailings and ores, old paints and other industrial chemicals, and some drugs. Arsenic is naturally found in soil, rocks, and some water sources.



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex




• Debilitated animals and young animals are more sensitive.


• The phenylarsonic feed additives are less likely to be a problem in horses and cause problems mainly in swine and pigs.



Risk Factors




• Access to old barns or sheds that may contain older pesticides or chemicals


• Access to dump or burn piles containing burned lumber


• Proximity to mining and manufacturing operations that may contribute to ground and water contamination



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Peracute or acute toxicosis: Single toxic dose


• Subacute toxicosis: Lower repeated doses over a longer period


• Phenylarsonic toxicosis: Mainly seen in swine and poultry, not horses



History, Chief Complaint




• Exposure to arsenic-containing product


• Peracute death (no premonitory clinical signs)


• Acute: Severe gastrointestinal (GI) signs, colic, ataxia, recumbency, shock, and death


• Subacute: Persistent watery diarrhea and signs of renal dysfunction


• Phenylarsonics: Peripheral neuropathy with low mortality rate



Physical Exam Findings


Acute toxicosis:



• High morbidity and mortality rates


• Drooling


• Trembling


• GI pain or stasis


• Colic (sudden onset)


• Diarrhea (green to black and severe)


• Dehydration


• Weak pulse


• Recumbency


Subacute toxicosis:



• Persistent GI signs (watery diarrhea)


• Depression


• Anorexia


Signs associated with severe shock:



• Dehydration


• Oliguria, polyuria, anuria


• Weakness


• Ataxia


• Metabolic acidosis


• Hyperemic mucous membranes


• Tachycardia

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Related posts:

  1. Aggressive Stallion Behavior
  2. Aflatoxin Toxicosis
  3. Biliary Obstruction
  4. Cervix, Defects of

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Arsenic Toxicosis

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access