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Toxicology
Pesticides
Rodenticides
Anticoagulant
Widely used by
homeowners and professionals for rodent control.
1st generation compounds (warfarin). Short half-life (15 hours). Low potency required multiple feedings.
2nd generation compounds (brodifacoum,
bromodialone, diphacinone). Long half-life (20 days). High potency, kills in single feeding (LD50 = 0.25
mg/kg). Usually a problem in small animals, due to baits or
poisoned rats. Large animals can develop similar problems from sweet
clover (dicumarol).
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Vit K epoxide reductase. Prevents formation of Vit. K dependent clotting factors
(II, VII, IX, X)
Signs of Toxicity
Delayed onsets as clotting factors are consumed (3-5
days). Initial signs are often depression, anorexia, and anemia.
Pale mucosa, dyspnea, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and
bloody feces. Abdominal pain. Hemorrhage and hematoma.
Diagnosing Toxicity
Increased clotting time. Increased prothrombin (PT) time.
Increased activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT or
PTT). Chemical analysis.
Treatment
Vitamin K administration. Oral administration is more
effective than IV. Therapy should be continued for 10-14 days with warfarin
to 21-30 days for second-generation compounds. May need transfusion in severe cases.
Cholecalciferol
Rodenticides
(Vitamin D3. )
Usually sold as 0.075% bait. Also used as psoriasis treatment.
Cestrum plants. Day and night blooming
Jessamine. Toxic at >0.5mg/kg.
Mechanism of
Toxicity
Cholecalciferol is metabolized to
1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Causes massive increases in serum calcium by increasing
GI absorption, decreasing renal excretion, and mobilizing
bone calcium.
Signs of Toxicity
Anorexia, weakness,
Vomiting, diarrhea, Thirst, polyuria,
Hypertension, EKG abnormalities.
Diagnosing
Cholecalciferol toxicity
Serum calcium above 11.5 mg/dl. Increased BUN and creatinine.
Low urine specific gravity. Calcification of tissues, especially coronary arteries,
gastric mucosa, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and heart.
Elevated kidney calcium (1000 vs. 100 ppm).
Differentiate from paraneoplastic syndrome, juvenile
hypercalcemia, and hyperparathyroidism.
Treating
Cholecalciferol toxicity
Normal saline and furosemide. Cortisone (2-3mg/kg). Inhibits all effects on calcium.
Calcitonin (4-6 IU/kg, SQ every 2-3 hours.
Pamidronate (Aredia) can replace Calcitonin but very
expensive ($300/dose). Continue treatment until calcium levels stabilize in
normal range, may take weeks
Insecticides
Anticholinesterase Insecticides
(Organophosphates
and Carbamates)
Variable toxicity. Toxicity usually occurs from misuse of products or
improper storage.
Mechanism of Action
There is a formation of a bond between the insecticide
and the cholinesterase enzyme. Produce an excess of coline
that produce an over stimulation of acetylcoline receptors
in the synapses. Early stages are reversible, once the bond
ages become irreversible. Carbamates don’t age, but
Organophosphates age easily.
Signs of Toxicity
Depends on the type of receptor that has been affected.
1. Muscarinic: Salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, miosis,
dyspnea, bradycardia. 2. Nicotinic:
Muscle fasciculations beginning with face, generalized
tremors, weakness. 3. CNS: Respiratory depression, clonic-tonic seizures.
Diagnosing Toxicity
Clinical signs: Decreased AChE activity (Blood, Brain). Takes several
days. Test dose of atropine. If after a pre-anesthetic (dose:
0.01-0.05 mg/Kg) injection, you see typical signs of
atropine, it isn’t cholinesterase poisoning. Chemical analysis for specific compounds.
Treatment of
Anti-Esterase Toxicity
Atropine sulfate for Muscarinic signs, dose to
effect; will not stop nicotinic signs. Oximes (2-PAM, proto-PAM) can reactivate AChE before
aging. Diazepam or barbiturates for seizures
Metaldehyde
(Molluscicide - snail/slug baits)
3.5% metaldehyde: Used as fuel in small heaters.
Dogs, cats, sheep horses, cattle. No taste aversion . MLD ranges from 60 to 300 mg/kg. 3-4 oz. bait toxic to average size dog, sheep.
Toxicokinetics Metaldehyde hydrolyzed in stomach to acetaldehyde; good GI
absorption. Acetaldehyde metabolized to acids by aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Mechanism of action
Acidosis from metaldehyde metabolism to acetaldehyde. GABA, serotonin = CNS excitation
Clinical signs
Rapid onset (30 minutes to 4 hours) Signs are primarily GI and CNS. Initial symptoms are anxiety, nystagmus, Vomiting, salivation, mydriasis, muscle fasciculations,
ataxia, metabolic acidosis. Progresses to tonic-clonic seizures with hyperthermia,
May recover and relapse several days later with severe
liver damage.
Diagnosing
Metaldehyde Toxicity History. Clinical signs with high fever. Stomach contents smell like formaldehyde. Chemical analysis of bait for metaldehyde. Differentials are ethylene glycol, strychnine, OC, OP, and
lead.
Treating Metaldehyde
Toxicosis Control seizures. Diazepam 2-5 mg/kg IV (preferred because barbiturates
interfere w/ acetaldehyde degradation). GI decontamination followed by activated charcoal once
seizures are controlled. Supportive care - fluids, correct acidosis. Artificial respiration
. Keep animal cool- water or ice packs.
Strychnine
Alkaloid used to control gophers, moles, rats, and
coyotes
Controlled in many states
Often used as malicious poison
Strychnine
All species are sensitive, but dogs are most commonly
poisoned
LD50 values range from 0.5 – 3mg/kg
Rapidly absorbed and metabolized
Highest concentration often found in stomach contents due
to rapidity of onset
Mechanism of Action
Competitive antagonist at postsynaptic spinal glycine
receptors
Glycine is an inhibitory transmitter, so antagonism results
in disinhibition (stimulation) of all muscles
Signs of Strychnine
Toxicity
Rapid onset 10-120 minutes
Usually no vomiting
Begins with anxiety, stiffness
Proceeds to violent tetanic seizures initiated by external
stimuli, frequency increases with time
Sawhorse stance, rigid extension of all 4 limbs
“Grinning”
Death from respiratory failure, exhaustion
Diagnosing
Strychnine Toxicity
Signs, especially stimulus induced tetanic seizures and
rigid extension
Chemical analysis of bait, stomach contents, or liver
Rule out other compounds that can cause seizures (OP, OC,
metaldehyde, Pb)
Treating Strychnine
Toxicity
Primary goal of treatment is to control seizures and
prevent asphyxiation
Administer pentobarbital to effect (be ready to ventilate
due to depressive effects of barbiturates); Methocarbamol
(muscle relaxant) is another option
Emesis if before any signs, gastric lavage once anesthetized;
follow with activated charcoal and forced diuresis; ion trapping
with ammonium chloride if animal is not acidotic
If acidosis develops, treat with bicarbonate
Nicotinic Agonist
Insecticides
Imidacloprid (Advantage, Merit, Premise)
Nicotine derivative, designed to be much more specific for
insect receptor
Topical flea treatment and sucking insecticide for crops
Little dermal absorption, orally available
Safe at up to 5x labeled dose; LD50 ~2g/kg
Stimulates then blocks nicotinic receptors; usually
recover in 12-24 hours
May cause irritation and hair loss at site of application
Ion Channel
Insecticides
Act by blockade of Na+ or GABA Cl- channels, leading to
stimulation of nervous system
Fipronil (Frontline, Top Spot)
GABA receptor antagonist, more effective in invertebrates; LD50 >100mg/kg
Little dermal absorption
Muscle fasciculations, tremors, convulsions, lethargy,
ataxia
Usually recover in 12-24 hours; may use benzodiazepine for
convulsions
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins, permethrins (Pounce), allethrin, fenvalerate (Pydrin,
Blockade)
Originally from chrysanthemums
Used as non-persistent contact insecticides in homes,
gardens, farms, and on pets
Type II pyrethrins have a -CN group and are usually more
toxic than Type I
Preparations often combined with piperonyl butoxide and
carbamates to increase duration of action; solvents for
“knockdown”
Pyrethrin Toxicokinetics
Lipophilic; readily absorbed by all routes
Rapidly metabolized by esterases and P450
Rapid hydrolysis of ester linkage in GI tract - low oral
toxicity
Metabolites are glucuronidated
Cats, birds, and fish are sensitive
Mechanism of Action
Pyrethrins/type I pyrethroids - act on Na+ channels
Type II pyrethroids - act on Na+ channels and inhibit GABA/glutamic
acid binding at respective NS receptor sites
LD50s from 20->2000 mg/kg
Clinical Signs of
Pyrethrin Toxicity
Type I
Tremors
Hyperexcitability
Paralysis
Type II
Clonic-tonic seizures
Salivation
Weakness
Diagnosing Pyrethrin
Toxicity
Clinical values normal, nonspecific lesions
History of exposure
Chemical analysis for pyrethrin/pyrethroid - difficult to
detect and levels do not correlate well with toxicity
Differentials are OPs, OCs, strychnine, nicotine, meningitis
Treating Pyrethrin
Toxicity
Usually from dermal exposure - bathe
CNS stimulation w/ seizures -
Diazepam, phenobarbital if diazepam fails,
Atropine can ¯ salivation, GI activity
Prevention
Educate clients regarding accurate dilution and
application
Food animal residues unlikely d/t rapid metabolism and
excretion
Amitraz
Mitaban, Preventic
Used for mite and tick control
LD50 >600 mg/kg
Alpha 2 agonist
CNS and respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypertension,
intestinal stasis
Treatment is alpha 2 antagonists (yohimbine)
Hydramethylnon (Amdro)
Stomach poison for fire ants and roaches
LD 50 >1gm/kg
Usually affects dogs
Symptoms are salivation, tremors, GI problems
Treatment is symptomatic
Insect Growth
Regulators
Lufenuron (Program) for fleas; Methoprene for fly control
Very safe
Mechanism is to inhibit chitin synthesis in insect
exoskeleton
Main problem is GI disturbance
Ivermectin
Worm medication used orally and Parenteral in most species (Heartguard,
Ivomec, Eqvalen, Zimecterin)
Cumulative toxicant
Young animals more susceptible
Often a problem in dogs given horse paste
Dogs-6ug/kg =heartworm preventive dose;
2.5 mg/kg PO =mydriasis, 5mg/kg PO= muscle tremors, 40
mg/kg PO= death
Collies, Australian. Shepherd, Shelties, Border Collies- 0.1
-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
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
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 Toxicants
Acetaminophen
Present in many OTC pain and cold remedies
Phenacetin is metabolized to acetaminophen
Metabolized extensively by the liver by glucuronidation,
sulfation; in cats this is not an efficient process.
Activated by P450 to reactive compound detoxified by GSH
When GSH is depleted, toxicity occurs
Cats and Hemoglobin
The major form of hemoglobin in the cat has more reactive –SH
groups (8) than any other animal; makes it prone to denaturing
The cat spleen does not effectively remove abnormal red cells
Moist cat food contains propylene glycol; cats on this
food are more susceptible to Heinz Body formation
Signs of Toxicity
Methemoglobinemia, Heinz body formation in cats
Cyanosis, dyspnea
Facial and paw edema
Anorexia, vomiting
Delayed liver injury
Treatment of APAP
Toxicityy
GI decontamination: charcoal or emesis.
When given orally don’t mix w/ act. Charcoal
Ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg q 8 hrs) used to treat
methemoglobinemia in cats, methylene blue (4 mg/kg in dogs; 15
mg/kg in cattle; 1.5 mg/kg in cats) in other animals
Salicylates
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
Sodium salicylate
Pepto-Bismol (bismuth sub-salicylate = 130 mg salicylate/ml)
Oil of Wintergreen is 95+% methyl salicylate; 1 ml = 1400 mg
aspirin
Many liniments contain 40% methyl salicylate
Aspirin Toxicityy
25 mg/kg once a day is therapeutic in cats; 80-120
mg/kg/day is toxic
Salicylate Kinetics
Readily absorbed
Highly protein bound
Half-life is dose dependent
Increases with increasing dose
Mechanisms of
Salicylate Action
Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase
Decreases prostaglandin synthesis
Decreases platelet aggregation
Uncouples oxidative phosphorylation at high doses
Increased lactic acid; acidosis
Early stimulation of respiratory center
Respiratory alkalosis w/ bicarbonate excretion
May decrease blood flow to gastric mucosa
Ulceration?
Signs of Salicylate
Toxicity
Gastric irritation and ulceration is most common problem
Vomiting; Respiratory stimulation are early signs of
acute toxicity
Acidosis with anion gap may take time to develop
Fever with very high doses
Anemia, Heinz bodies, Thrombocytpenia in cats
Anorexia, depression (may be due to hepatic injury)
Diagnosing
Salicylate Poisoning
Hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hypoglycemia?
Salicylate level (not well correlated with toxicity in
vet med, but >50 mg/dl has caused death in cats and is toxic
in humans)
Treating Salicylate
Toxicosis
GI decontamination
May be useful for up to 12 hours after ingestion with enteric
coated formulations
Treat acidosis with fluids and bicarbonate
Also acts as ion-trap
Correct electrolyte and glucose levels
Sucralfate or misoprostil can be used for gastric
problems
NSAIDS
Especially ibuprofen, naproxen, and phenylbutazone
>50 mg/kg ibuprofen is toxic in cats
Phenylbutazone is reported to cause renal toxicity at normal
doses (8.8 mg/kg) in dehydrated animals or those given repeated
doses
Cause gastric ulceration like salicylates
Analgesic nephropathy
Acute renal failure
Impaired renin secretion
Allergic interstitial nephritis
Increased tubular sodium and water absorption
Signs of NSAID Toxicity
Vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, tarry feces due to GI
ulceration
Acute onset of oliguria, azotemia (BUN, creatinine) due to
decreased blood flow
Hyperkalemia due to renin-aldosterone effects
Interstitial nephritis
Papillary necrosis
Increased bleeding times
Acidosis
Treating Analgesic
Nephropathy
Dopamine or dobutamine can be administered to increase renal
blood flow
Diuresis to maintain urine flow
Treat hyperkalemia by administering dextrose (w/ insulin)
Misoprostil
Dialysis
Lead Toxicosis
Affects large and small animals; waterfowl
Sources include old paint, oil, grease, and batteries,
lead shot and fishing sinks.
Toxicity usually results from acute oral exposures
Mechanism of Action
Lead inhibits delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and
heme synthetase, both involved in heme synthesis
Signs of Lead
Poisoning
Lead causes a mixture of neurologic, GI, and hematopoietic
signs
Neurologic signs: include blindness, seizures, ataxia,
and head pressing, and “roaring” -horses.
GI signs: include anorexia, vomiting, constipation then
diarrhea, colic
Hematopoietic signs: include regenerative anemia with
nucleated RBCs, basophilic stippling (dogs), increased zinc
protoporphyrin (dogs) and elevated plasma porphyrins
(cattle)
Diagnosing Lead Poisoning
Clinical signs
Whole blood lead levels of 0.6ppm or greater
Treating Lead
Toxicity
GI decontamination using a cathartic or surgical removal of
large objects
Chelation therapy with Ca-EDTA (no free acid EDTA), DMSA (Succimer),
d-Penicillamine
Thiamine may improve symptoms in cattle
Control seizures with barbiturates
Ethylene Glycol
Major ingredient in normal antifreeze
Toxicity usually in small animals
Exposure most common in Spring and Fall
Animals often “like” ethylene glycol
Very high rate of lethality (80+%) due to delays in
presentation
Ethylene Glycol
Toxicity
Lethal doses in cats are as low as 1.5ml/kg of undiluted
antifreeze or about 1 tbsp of 50:50 antifreeze: water
Lethal doses in dogs are higher; around 7 ml/kg of
undiluted antifreeze or 4.5 oz of 50% antifreeze
Poultry – 7-8 ml/kg
Cattle – 2-10 ml/kg
Mechanism of Action
Ethylene glycol acts like ethanol, producing early signs
of “drunkenness”
Metabolism to glycolic acid causes acidosis
Metabolism to oxalic acid, which combines with calcium to
form insoluble crystals
Signs of Toxicity
3 stages of intoxication
Stage I (30 minutes-3 hours)
“Drunkenness”, ataxia
Tachypnea, tachycardia (or bradycardia)
Often not observed
Stage III (12-72 hours)
Oliguric renal failure
Diagnosing Toxicity
Acidosis
Anion and osmolal gap
Hyperglycemia
Elevated BUN and creatinine in Stage III
Crystalluria
Crystals in kidney
Chemical analysis of EG or Ca (kit vs. lab)
Treatment of Ethylenee
Glycol Toxicity
Traditional treatment is ethanol and bicarbonate.
Bicarbonate used to correct acidosis
Prognosiss
With later presentation, prognosis becomes poor with evidence
of severe acidosis and anuria
Onions
Botanic Name: Allium spp.
Animals Affected::
Toxic Principle:
An alkaloid, N-propyl disulphide, present in both cultivated
and wild onions, chives, and garlic causing oxidative injury to
the hemoglobin and red blood cell membrane. The hemoglobin, once
damaged, precipitates into Heinz bodies visible in the red blood
cells. Diets containing more that 25% dry matter of onion will
cause clinical anemia.
Clinical Signs::
Gastrointestinal:
There is frequently a distinct odor of onion on the
breath, feces, urine and milk of poisoned animals.
Musculoskeletal:
Cardiovascular System: Affected animals have pale
mucous membranes, a fast, weak pulse and may stagger and
collapse as a result of anemia. In severely anemic animals,
stress and heavy parasite infestations may be sufficient to
cause death.
Respiratory System: Increased respiratory rate.
Renal System: The presence of dark red-brown colored
urine (Hemoglobinuria) is often the presenting sign of
poisoning.
Treatment::
Animals should not be stressed
Onion feeding should be discontinued until recovery
from the anemia is complete.
Whole blood transfusions may be necessary in severely
anemic animals.
Diagnosis:
Heinz body anemia is highly suggestive.
Special Notes:
Methylxanthines
Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline
Usually a problem with dogs due to eating habits
Found in chocolate, coffee, medications
Most common around holidays associated with chocolate
Unsweetened baking chocolate is especially toxic; as
little as 0.2 oz/kg may kill a dog
Mechanism of Action
Antagonist of adenosine receptors; causes CNS
stimulation, vasoconstriction, and tachycardia
Inhibits phosphodiesterase
Signs of Toxicityy
Vomiting, diarrhea
Hyperactivity, “bounce”
Tachycardia, PVC, hypertension
Ataxia
Tremors, seizures
Coma
Teratogenic
Treating Methyl-
Xanthine Toxicity
GI decontamination with repeated administration of act
charcoal (esp. theophylline)
Monitor EKG
Treat tachy-arrhythmias with lidocaine (not in cats) or
metoprolol
Treat seizures with diazepam or barbiturates Maintain respiration.
Grapes, Raisins, Prunes:
kidney failure, as
little as a single serving of grapes or raisins can kill a
dog. It takes anywhere from 9 oz to 2 lbs of grapes and
raisins (between .041 and 1.1 oz/kg of body weight), to
cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, and possible kidney
failure
Household Cleanerss
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
Soaps, Shampoos,
Detergents
Most have low toxicity
Usually cause only vomiting and diarrhea
Anionic surfactants are in many cleaning products like
shampoos have the potential to cause hemolysis
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 tarpaper; watch out for
pigs
Alkaline Compoundss
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
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
Treating Household
Cleaner Ingestions
If a potentially toxic amount of a non-corrosive compound
ingested, emesis should be induced; no activated charcoal unless
systemic effects are expected
For corrosive compounds 1) dilute with milk or water, 2)
determine exactly how much of what material was ingested
Treating Toxic Corrosive
Ingestions
If there is pain, dysphagia, excessive drooling, or
ulceration and the exposure was potentially toxic:
Establish airway and get esophagoscopy
If esophagus can’t be examined quickly, start corticosteroids
If examination indicates burns, give corticosteroids
Symptomatic and supportive care
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
Systemic Toxicity of
Hydrocarbons
Most hydrocarbons are CNS depressants
Some volatile hydrocarbons sensitize the heart to
catecholamines and can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrest
Many hydrocarbons cause dermal irritation and hair losss
Signs of Hydrocarbon
Toxicity
Depression, lethargy, ataxia, seizures, coma
Dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, X-ray changes in lungs with
pneumonia
Spontaneous vomiting and aspiration often occurs with
more volatile compounds
Treating Hydrocarbon
Ingestions
Wash for dermal exposures
Do not try to increase viscosity by adding heavier
compound
Do not induce emesis unless a large, life threatening
ingestion (>1 ml/kg)
Monitor for pneumonia; treat with antibiotics if present
Toxic Plants
Oak (Acorn)
Poisoning
Red Oak are most toxic due to high tannins, Live Oak is
questionable
Problems are seasonal, usually in fall after a storm or
during summer droughts
Primarily affects cattle; calves are more susceptible
Toxic principle is thought to tannins or their
metabolites
Animals must consume large amounts of acorns or buds to
be toxic
Cases have relatively low morbidity with moderate
mortality (35-80%)
Animals usually ingested acorns for 1 week prior to signs
Symptoms
Terminal animals are often recumbent near water..
Acorn:
Nitrates
plants
Sources are plants and fertilizer
Nitrite oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin
Signs
Methemoglobinemia, “chocolate” brown blood
Brownish cast to membranes
Cyanosis, dyspnea
Tachycardia
Treatment
Avoid overdosing as methylene blue can cause
methemoglobinemia
Avoid stressing animals
Example: Pigweed
Cyanide
Toxicity
Released from cyanogenic glycosides found in some plants
(wild cherry and other Prunes spp., Sudan and Johnson grass,
arrowgrass)
Also found in fumigants.
Acts by inhibiting cytochrome oxidase which inhibits
oxidative phosphorylation
Cyanogenetic Plants
contain glycosides with cyanide groups
Wild and choke cherry,
Sudan and Johnson grass,
Flax,
Sugar beet tops,
Arrow grass
Initial signs are salivation and tachypnea
Progress to dyspnea, weakness, seizures, tachycardia
Death in 20-120 minutes
Cherry-red blood that clots slowly (left sample)
Treating Cyanide
Toxicity
Cyanide binds tightly to Fe (III)
Promote detoxification of cyanide with sodium thiosulfate
Thiaminases
Thiaminases destroy thiamine causing neurological problems;
causes aplastic anemia in ruminants
Primarily affects horses and ruminants
Usually occurs if other forage is inadequate
Horsetails
Bracken Ferns
Calcium Oxalate
plants
Many members of the Areaceae family of plants contain
preformed Ca-oxalate needle shape crystals that cause mechanical
injury to the mouth resulting in pain, salivation, vomiting, and
dyspnea.
Plants containing soluble oxalates produce hypocalcemia and
renal injury due to precipitation of Ca-oxalate crystals
All parts of plant are toxic; stalk more toxic than leaves
Usually occurs in cats, dogs, birds, and lizards
Rarely life-threatening
Preformed calcium oxalate crystals embed in all parts of GI
tract; also contain proteolytic enzymes that cause histamine
release
Onset time is immediate; primarily affects GI system
Clinical signs
Diagnosis
By history of exposure and compatible clinical signs
Treatment
Rinse mouth with water
Anithistamines for dyspnea
Demulcents (Kao-pectate; no Pepto in cats)
Fluids for severe vomiting and diarrhea
Detoxification with limewater and supportive treatment of
hypocalcemia and nephritis.
Calcium Oxalate plantss:
1. Soluble oxalate containing plants
Rhubarb,
Lamb’s quarters
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Philodendron,
Common names: Elephant's Ear, Cabeza de Burro, Malanga de
Jardin, Malanga Cara de Chivo, Chine Ape, Papao-Apaka,
Papao-Atolong, and Taro
Description: Erect perennial with long stemmed,
spearhead-shaped leaves. Flowers appear on a greenish stem.
Toxic Part: The leaves and stems are injurious.
Symptoms: Chewing of plant part causes a painful burning
sensation of the lips, mouth, tongue, and
 
Calla lily
Common names: Caladium, Angel Wings, Caladium, Cananga,
Capotillo, Couer Saignant, Corazon de Cabrito, Heart-of- Jesus,
Lagrimas de Maria, Mother- in-Law Plant, Paleta de Pintor.
Description: Showy, variegated, heart-shaped leaves. Color
may vary from white to orange or red depending on species.
Toxic Part: The whole plant is injurious when ingested.
Symptoms: Intense irritation of the lips, mouth and throat.
 
Precatory Bean or Rosary
Pea
Grows in Carribean
Commonly sold as rosary “beads”
Extremely toxic, 1 pea can kill a child or dog
Severe enteritis leads to shock
Castor Bean
Common plant in S. Florida
Mole plant
Seeds are extremely toxic due to resin
Oleander
Common Names: Oleander
Description: Shrub that grows to 20 feet. Long Narrow leaves
up to 10 inches long. Flowers form in small clusters and are
red, pink or white. Seeds develop in long narrow capsules, which
are 3/8 inch in diameter by 5 inches long and are dispersed by
the wind.
Toxic Part: Whole plant, including smoke from burning and
water in which the flowers have been placed.
Symptoms: Pain in the oral cavity, nausea, vomiting,
cramping, and diarrhea.
 
Contains cardiac glycosides (much like digitalis)
Highly toxic
Cassia
Coffee weed, sickle pod
Poisonous Part: Seeds.
Causes muscle degeneration
Symptoms: Diarrhea, tremors, dark brown urine.
Crotalaria
Rattlebox
Toxic Principle: Alkaloids.
Poisonous Part: Seeds, leaves.
Symptoms :Lower blood pressure and heart beat, stomach
irritation. Causes liver injury
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.
Cycads and Zamia
Seeds are especially toxic
Causes liver injury
Sesbania
Seeds are most toxic part
Produce severe hemorrhagic or necrotic enteritis
 
Lantana
Common Names: Lantana, Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Bunchberry
Symptoms: Weakness, lethargy, emesis, diarrheaa
Causes photosensitization secondary to liver injury
Other toxic plants:
Adam and Eve
African Blood Lily
African blue Lily
African evergreen
African hemp
African milk bush
Agapanthus
Alfalfa (cats)
Almond
Aloe Vera
Alocasia
Amaryllis
American Bittersweet
American elder
American Mistletoe
American Rubber Plant
Ampelopsis
Andromeda Japonica
Angel's Trumpet
Anthurium
Apple (seeds stem leaves)
Apple Leaf Croton
Apple-of-Peru
Apricot (Pits of)
Aralia
Arnica root
Arrowgrass
Arrowhead vine
Asian Lily (liliaceae)
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus
Atamasco Lily
Austrailian umbrella tree
Autumn scilla
Autumn Skullcap
Autumn Crocus
Australian Nut
Avacado (fruit and pit)
Azalea
Baby rubber plant
Baby's Breath
Balsam Pear
Baneberry
Baptisia
Basket Flower
Barley
Bayonet
Bean Boad
Bearsfoot hellebore
Beargrass
Beech
Belladonna
Benjamin tree
Bird of Paradise
Bitter Gourd
Bittersweet
Black cherry
Black-eyed Susan
Black henbane
Black jetbead
Black Locust
Black nightshade
Blackberry lily
Bleeding Heart
Blood lily
Bloodroot
Bluebonnet
Blue cohosh
Blue devil
Blue squill
Bluebead-lily
Blueweed
Bouncing-bet
Box
Box-thorn
Boxwood
Branching Ivy
Broccoli
Buckeyes
Buckeye bottlebrush
Buckeye California
Buckthorn
Buckwheat
Buddist Pine
Buffalo nut
Burning Bush
Buttercup
Butterfly weed
Cactus, Candelabra
Caladium (hortulanum)
Calla Lily
Caper spruge
Cardinal flower
Cardinal flower blue
Cardinal-spear
Carnation
Carolina allspice
Carolina cherry laurel
Carolina Jessamine
Cassava
Castor Bean
Castor oil plant
Celandine
Century plant
Ceriman
Cestrum
Chalice vine
Charming Dieffenbachia
Chenile plant
Cherokee-bean
Cherry (pits, seeds & wilting leaves)
Cherry, most wild varieties
Cherry, ground
Cherry, Laurel
Chigger plant
China tree
Chinaberry tree
Chincherinchee
Chinese Bellflower
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Lanturn
Chinese Scholoar tree
Chinese yam
Chlorine Lepidella
Christmas flower
Christmas Rose
Churee
Chrysanthemum
Cineria
Cinnamon vine
Clematis
Climbing nightshade
Climbing Onion
Clintonia
Clivia
Clove pinks
Coastal Leucothe
Cockle
Cocoa bean (chocolate) Coffee senna
Coffeeweed
Coleus
Common ivy
Common Poppy
Common Spiderwort
Coontie
Coral Bean
Coralberry
Cordatum
Coriaria
Corn Cockle
Cornflower
Corn Plant
Cornstalk Plant
Corsican Hellebore
Cow-itch
Crab’s Eyes
Creeping Cucumber
Creeping Spurge
Crinum lily
Crocus
Crocus Autumn
Crotolaria
Croton
Crowfoot
Crown-of-thorns
Corydalis
Crocus, Autumn
Crown of Thorns
Cuban lily
Cuckoo-pint
Cuban Laurel
Curly Dock
Cutleaf Philodendron
Cycads
Cyclamen
Cypress Spurge
Daffodil
Dahlia
Daphne
Datura
Day Lily
Dead Man’s Hand
Deadly Galernia
Deadly Nightshade
Death Angel
Death Camas
Devil's Ivy
Delphinium
Decentrea
Destroying Angel
Devil’s ivy
Devil’s Trumpet
Devil’s walkingstick
Devil’s backbone
Devil’s Snuff Box
Dieffenbachia
Disporum
Dock
Dog hobble
Dog bane
Dolichos bean
Doll’s-eyes
Donkeytail
Downy thorn-apple
Dracaena Palm
Dragon Bones
Dragon Tree
Drooping Leucothe
Dumb Cane
Dutchman’s breeches
Dwarf Poinciana
Earthball
Earthstart Scleroderma
Easter Lily *
Eastern redcedar
Eggplant
Elaine
Elderberry Elephant Ear Elephant Ears
Emerald Feather
English Bean
English Holly
English Ivy
English Laurel
Eucalyptus
Euonymus
Euphorbium
European Bittersweet vine
Everlasting Pea
Evergreen
Eyebane
Fairy Lily
Fall Poison
False cactus
False hellebore
False indigo
False Jessamine
False Poinciana
Faya bean
February Daphne
Ferns
Fern Bracken
Fetterbush
Fiddle-leaf fig
Finger tree
Fire Cherry
Firecracker plant
Fishtail Plam
Flax
Flamingo Plant/flower
Florida Arrowroot
Florida Beauty
Florida Leucothoe
Florist’s Calla
Flowering Spurge
Fly Agaric
Four O'Clock
Foxglove
French Hydrangea
Fruit Salad Plant
Garden Calla
Carden chrysanthemum
Garland flower Dahne
Gemmed Amanita
Geranium
German Ivy
Giant Dumb Cane
Ginger Lily
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Goat’s Rue
Glory Lily
Gold Dieffenbachia
Gold Dust Dracaena
Golden Chain /tree
Golden Club
Golden Glow
Golden hurricane Lily
Golden Pothos
Golden Seal
Golden spider lily
Good Luck Pland
Gopher Purge
Grapes and vine
Green dragon
Green Gill
Green=Spored Parasol
Grevilles “Robyn Gordon”
Ground cherry
Gum
Hahn's Self-Branching Ivy
Hashish
Heartland Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heart’s a bustin’
Heavenly Bamboo
Heliotrope
Hellebore
Hemlock, Poison
Hemlock, Water
Hemp
Henbane
Hercules’ club
Holly/american
Hops
Honeysuckle
Horsebeans
Horsebrush
Horse Chestnuts
Horsehead Philodendron
Horse nettle
Horse radish
Hot Pepper
Houseleek
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Indian Hemp
Indian Pink
Indian Poke
Indian Rubber Plant
Indian Tobacco
Inkberry
Iris
Iris Ivy
Irish Potato
Italian arum
Ivy Algerian
Ivy Bush
Ivy Canary
Jack in the Pulpit
Jackolanter (mushroom)
Jamestown weed
Janet Craig Dracaena
Japanese andromeda
Japanese Aucumba
Japanese Boxwood
Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese Pagoda tree
Japanese Poinsettia Japanese Show Lily *
Japanese Skimmia
Japanese Yew Tree
Jasmine
Jasmine confederate
Java Beans
Jequirity
Jessamine
Jerusalem Cherry
Jetberry bush
Jewled Deathcap
Jimson Weed
Johnson grass
Jonquil
Jungle Trumpets
Juniper Common
Kaffir Lily
Kalanchoe
Kentucky coffee tree
Lablab
Lady slipper orchid
Lacy Tree Philodendron
Lace Fern
Lambkill
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel / cherry
Leadwort
Leatherwood
Lemon scented gum
Lemon yellow Lepiota
Lenten rose
Leopard’s bane
Ligustrum
Lilac daphne
Lily
Lily of the Incas
Lily Spider
Lily turf
Lily of the Valley /bush
Lima Bean
Live forever
Lobelia
Locoweed
Loquat
Lords and Ladies
Lucky clover
Lupine
Macadamia Nut (Tree) Madagascar Dragon Tree
Madagascar Periwinkle
Madeira Ivy
Magic Lily
Maidenhair tree
Maleberry
Mandarin
Mandevilla
Mandrake
Manioc
Many Warts
Marble Queen
Marigold
Marijuana
Marsh marigold
Marvel of Peru
Matrimony vine
Mayapple
Meadow Garlic
Meadow Saffron
Medicinal Aloe
Mescal Bean
Mescal Buttons
Mescal
Metel
Mexican Breadfruit
Mexican Pricklepoppy
Mexican Tea
Milfoil
Milkbush
Milkweed
Milkweed common
Miniature Croton
Mistletoe (“American”)
Mitsu-ba
Mole plant
Mock Orange
Monkshood
Moonseed
Moonweed
Morning Glory
Mother-in Law's Tongue
Morning Glory
Moses in the cradle
Mother in Law’s tounge
Mountain Andromeda
Mountain Fetterbush
Mountain Hydrengia
Mountain Laurel
Mountain snuff
Mountain tobacco
Mushrooms
Mum
Naked Brimcap
Naked ladies
Nandina
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephytis
Night blooming Jessamine
Nightshade
Nutmeg
Oak
Oak leaf Hydrangea
Ohio Buckeye
Oleander
Onion
Opium Poppy
Oriental Lily *
Ornithogalum
Orpine
Oyster plant
Painted buckeye
Painted nettle
Panda
Partridge pea
Pasque flower
Paw Paw
Peace Lily
Peach (pits and wilting leaves)
Pear
Peegee Hydrangea
Periwinkle
Pencil tree
Pencil Cactus
Peony
Pepper chili
Pepper face
Pepper vine
Pernettya
Persian violet
Peruvian Lily
Peyote
Philodendron Pertusum
Pickaback plant
Pigeonberry
Piggyback plant
Pigskin Poison Puffball
Pimpernel
Pin Cherry
Pinapple
Pinkroot
Plum
Plumbago
Plumosa Fern
Poinciana
Poinsettia (low toxicity)
Poison fool’s parsley
Poison Hemlock
Poison Ivy
Poison Oak
Poison Paxillus
Poison Sumac
Poke
Pokeberry
Pokeweed
Popcorn tree
Poppy
Pot
Potato
Pothos
Powder puff lily
Precatory Bean
Prickly pear Cactus
Prickly poppy
Pride of Barbados
Primrose
Privet, Common
Prunes
Purple queen tradescantia
Purple seasbane
Queen Anne’s lace
Queensland Nut (tree)
Rabbit ears cactus
Rain Lily
Rainbow Pinks
Rattlebox
Rattleweed
Red Buckeye
Red Cole
Red Emerald
Red Lily
Red Princess
Red-Margined Dracaena
Red Mulberry
Red Sage
Red Sorrel
Red spider lily
Red Squill
Red berried elder
Red hot cattail
Redbird Flower
Resurrection lily
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Ribbon Plant
Rock poppy
Rosary pea
Rosemary Bog
Rosemary Pea
Roseroot
Rubber euphorbia
Rubber Plant
Rubrum Lily
Rue
Saddle Leaf Philodendron
Sago Palm
Sassafrass
Sassy Jack
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Scootberry
Scotch Broom
Sea daffodil
Sea Onion
Sedum
Senecio
Shamrock
Sheep Laurel
Sheep Sorrel
Shell flower
Shell Ginger
Shoofly Plant
Shurb verbena
Shrubby yew Podocarpus
Siberian squill
Sicklepod
Silky oak
Silver Pothos
Skunk Cabbage
Slipper flower
Small leaved rubberplant
Snakeplant
Snakeberry
Sneezeweed
Snow on the mountain
Snowberry
Snowdrops
Snow on the Mountain
Soapberry
Soapwort
Solomons seal
Sorrel
Sowbread
Spathe flower
Spider Lily
Spinach
Spindel tree
Split leave Philodendron
Spotted cowbane
Spotted Dumb Cane
Spotted Laurel
Spotted water hemlock
Spring meadow saffron
Spurge laurel
Spurge nettle
Spurge
Squaw weed
Squirrel corn
Staggerweed
Star of Bethlehem
Star leaf
Stargazer Lily
Stinging nettle
Stinking cedar
Stinking hellebore
Stinkweed
Stonecrop
Strawberry bush
Strawberry tomato
String of Pearls
Striped Dracaena
Sulfur Tuft
Summer Pheasants ee
Supplejack
Swamp Laurel
Sweet bubby bush
Sweet cherry
Sweet pea
Sweetheart Ivy
Sweet shrub
Swiss Cheese plant
Tailflower
Tansy
Tansy Mustard
Tapioca
Taro Vine
Tea
Thimbleweed
Thorn-apple
Thorn apple
Tiger Lily
Toadstools
Tobacco
Tomato Plant (fruit, stem and leaves)
Torreya
Tree tobacco
Tree Philodendron
Trifoliate orange
Trillium
Tropic Snow (Dumb Cane)
Dieffenbachia
Trumpet creeper
Trumpet flower
Tuberen squill
Tuberous Begonia
Tulip
Tung nut
Tung Oil tree
Tung Tree
Turkey corn
Twisted Stalk
Two leaved Squill
Variable Dieffenbachia
Varigrated Philodendron
Vetchlings
Vinca
Viper’s bugloss
Virginia Creeper
Virgin’s bower
Wahoo
Wake robin
Warneckei Dracaena
Water arum
Water Hemlock
Water lettuce
Water dragon
Watermelon Plant
Wax Begonia
Waxberry
Weeping Fig
White cohosh
White Mulberry
White potato
White Snakeroot
Wicky
Wicopy
Widow’s tears
Wild Call
Wild Calla
Wild Carrot
Wild Cherry
Wild Garlic
Wild Indigo
Wild Parsnip
Wild Tomatoe
Windflower
Windsor bean
Winter Daphne
Wisteria
Wolfberry
Wolfsbane
Wonder flower
Wood Lily
Woodnettle
Woolly Croton
Wormseed
Wormwood
Yarrow
Yaupon Holly
Yellow allamanda
Yellow Buckeye
Yellow Dock
Yellow Jessamine
Yellow Patches
Yellow Pleasted Parasol
Yellow Wart
YesterdayTodayTomorrow
Yew
Zephyr Lily
Zulu potato
Yews –
Japanese Yew
English Yew
Western Yew
American Yew
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