Molluscicides Flashcards
Metaldehyde
Snail and slug control in vegetable gardens, yards
-results in dehydration and paralysis
-typically blue; has bran or molasses flavour to attract
Mechanism of metaldehyde tox
Targets CNS
-interferes with inhibitory NTs in brain= CNS excitation
-involves (GABA, NE, 5HT)
Onset of metaldehyde tox
Within an hour of ingestion
Clinical signs of metaldehyde
-restlessness, anxiety
-GI: hypersensitivity, vomiting
-CNS: severe tremors, convulsions, hyperesthesia, opisthotonus, hyperthermia
-tachypnea, tachycardia
-death from Resp failure
Clinical pathology diagnosis of metaldehyde
-Metabolic acidosis secondary to seizures and hyperthermia
-increased creatinine kinase from muscle activity due to tremours/seizures
Metaldehyde tox lesions
-stomach contents and feces with pellets/blue-green colour
-apple cider/formaldehyde smell in stomach contents/vomit
-no specific PM lesions (multiorgan congestion, serosal hemorrhages)
Management of metaldehyde
-no true antidote
-decontamination if asymptomatic with gastric lavage under GA
-ILE in severe cases
-symptomatic and supportive care
What is some specific symptomatic and supportive care for metaldehyde toxicity?
-anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants
-fluids, active cooling (hyperthermia can be severe)
-frequent monitoring of kidney and liver, PT/PTT
-long half life so prolonged care
Diagnosis of metaldehyde
-history of slug bait placement in yard
-characteristic smell of stomach content/vomit
-quantification of metaldehyde in organs
DDx of metaldehyde tox
Acute onset of neuroexcitation
-strychnine
-1080
-bromethalin
-tremorgenic mycotoxins
-neurotoxic mushrooms
-ivermectin
-OP/carbamates
-stimulant drugs
-chocolate
Prognosis of metaldehyde tox
Improves if animal survives past 24 hrs
-rare chance of delayed onset of liver failure
