Zinc Phosphide Toxicosis

Zinc Phosphide Toxicosis



Basic Information image



Definition


Zinc phosphide is a rodenticide used to kill gophers, ground squirrels, and other burrowing animals as well as mice and rats. Zinc phosphide and related compounds occasionally cause poisoning in horses, creating a diagnostic challenge. Zinc phosphide has no direct effect on coagulation, unlike the more commonly used anticoagulant rodenticides. Zinc phosphide baits typically are grain based, often containing oats, and may resemble horse feed.



Synonym(s)


Magnesium phosphide and aluminum phosphide may have similar activity to zinc phosphide. Aluminum phosphide is used as a grain fumigant.



Epidemiology



Risk Factors




• Horses with access to rodenticides used on farms have a higher risk of poisoning


• Rodenticide bait mixed with oats



Contagion and Zoonosis


Zinc phosphide—related compounds produce phosphine gas, which is toxic to humans as well as horses. A veterinarian may be poisoned after passing a stomach tube or performing a necropsy on a horse that has ingested one of these compounds.



Geography and Seasonality


Rodenticides are used over most of the world.



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint




• Zinc phosphide bait used around farms


• Aluminum phosphide used to fumigate grain


• Rapid onset of clinical signs (within 4 hours of exposure) or occasionally delayed


• Colic


• Muscle tremors


• Sweating


• Dyspnea


• Depression


• Recumbency, thrashing


• Often rapidly lethal



Physical Exam Findings


Cardiac arrhythmias



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• Zinc phosphide releases phosphine gas in the presence of acid (stomach acid).


• Aluminum and magnesium phosphides release phosphine gas in the presence of water.


• The mechanism of action of phosphine is not entirely understood, but it may inhibit oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, resulting in cell death.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Zinc Phosphide Toxicosis

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