Toxic Gasses Flashcards
Clinical signs associated with NH3
decreased feed intake and growth, increased nasal discharge, sneezing and coughing, keratoconjunctivitis in poultry
INcreased respiratory disease
Diagnostic for NH3
no reliable diagnostic test
Anhydrous ammonia MoA
mucous membranes are the prime targets.
Extremely caustic and causes necrosis of the dermis, epithelium and muzzle
clinical outcome of Anhydrous ammonia
Acute death
fluid accumulation in the lungs (respiratory distress), sloughing of respiratory tract epithelium
corneal damage- blindness
treatment of anhydrous ammonia
No antedote.
Euthanasia is likely the best option
Carbon monoxide MoA
Co binds to hemoglobin forming Carboxyhemoglobin
Oxygen can’t bind decreasing O2 in the tissues -> anoxia
Fetal Hb is more susceptible to CO
Clinical signs of CO
Drowsiness, lethargy, incoordination, decreased heart excitability, cherry-red skin and MM
abortions and stillbirths in pigs
Chronic cases: low exervise tolerance, abnormal posture, gait and reflexes
What toxic gas is associated with stillbirths and aboritons in pigs?
carbon monoxide- sows may appear clinically normal
What samples would you collect for CO cases
Whole blood
If the animal is dead - thoracic fluid
Treatment for CO exposure
Restore O2 supply to the brain and heart
Move the patient to fresh air, maintain airway, artificial respiration if needed.
Hydrogen sulfide is a concern when?
When the manure pit is agitated and H2S gas is released.
H2S MoA
Direct irritant of the eyes and lungs
CNS effects suspected inhibition of the respiratory center
Metabolic effects- inhibition of cytochrome oxidase
Lesions associated with H2S
Edema- lungs, brain, intestines
Dark blood
H2S odor of tissues
Why is methane a concern?
it is explosive
Nitrogen Dioxide is unique why?
it has a red-brown color
