Module 14.1

Question 1

Veterinary Forensic Toxicology

Answer 1

Hard to determine poisoning due to symptoms that can be caused by natural dz-> GI, Nervous system, cardio
Consider the environment: food, water, environment (pesticides, lead, contamination, etc.)
Toxins are dose dependent and lots of factors involved
Difficult to prove accidental vs intentional
Intentional poisonings often not malicious
Accidental poisonings may be associated w other abuse

Question 2

Poisoning incidence

Answer 2

Less than 1% of reported exposures are intentional-not reported usually
Intentional:
75% dogs, larger dogs, higher risk
15% cats
10% livestock/wild animals

Question 3

Blister beetles

Answer 3

Can be harvested in hay
Highly toxic to horses, sheep, cattle-cantharidin (released when crushed and still inside when dead, variable amounts)
Contact irritant and vesicant (causes blisters)
Ingested when eating hay-GI, kidneys, liver, heart issues
Colic, hyper-salivation, hematuria

Question 4

Intentional poisonings

Answer 4

Rarely witnessed
Can mimic natural dz
Difficult/impossible to detect
Difficult to prove accidental/malicious

Question 5

Inadvertent and accidental poisonings

Answer 5

No intent
Attempt to treat animal w human drug, didn’t know it was toxic (tylenol/ibuprofen)
Environmental spills
Feed contamination

Question 6

Investigation barriers

Answer 6

Lack of witnesses
Natural dz mimicry
Assumption intentional poisoning was accidentak
$$$$$$
Poor availability to diagnostic facilities
Lack of investigations (time issues, toxin ID, etc.)