Final: Lead (Pb)

Question 1

What is the most common cause of toxicoses in domestic livestock?

Answer 1

Lead

Question 2

What are common causes/sources of Pb intoxication in cattle?

Answer 2

Paint chips, batteries, putty, linoleum, asphalt, used engine/crankcase oil

Question 3

What type of Pb intoxication is of greatest concern to an animal’s health?

Answer 3

acute

Question 4

What do high doses of Pb cause?

Answer 4

Impaired neurological function resulting in blindness and irritability
(Can also cause intestinal pain, colic, and abortion)

Question 5

How does Pb lead to blindness and irritability?

Answer 5

Pb lodges in pre-synaptic Ca channels blocking entry of Ca –> less nerve conduction in neurons

Question 6

What type of anemia does Pb cause and what can be seen on a blood smear?

Answer 6

Microcytic hypochromic anemia; basophilic stippling of RBCs

Question 7

Why is chronic exposure to low levels of Pb in cattle not associated with clinical symptoms?

Answer 7

Bones sequester Pb and release it gradually to the blood for excretion

Question 8

What happens to humans with low levels of Pb exposure?

Answer 8

Loss of cognitive powers

Question 9

How do you diagnose lead toxicity?

Answer 9

Test whole blood for [Pb]

Question 10

How do lead fragments from bullets affect an animal?

Answer 10

Lead fragments do not pose large danger unless ingested (stomach acid liberates Pb ions which harm nervous system)