Toxicity 3 Flashcards
Illicit drug intoxication
Animals usually present after onset of clinical signs
Owners will rarely voluntarily disclose the fact that their animal might have ingested an illicit drug
Dogs that work with police and customs agents are at an increased risk
Cannabis sativa intoxication
Marijuana and Hashish
Animals exposed by ingestion of loose marijuana, cigarettes, cookies, and brownies
Contains numerous chemicals (including tetrahydrocannabinol or THC)) that have a neurological effect
Treatment is supportive: Sedatives may be used to control CNS hyperactivity
Clinical signs of Cannabis sativa intoxication
behavior changes, depression, mydriasis, injected sclera, vomiting, ataxia, muscle tremors, weakness, seizures
Cocaine intoxication
Cocaine is an alkaloid chemical derived from leaves of the South American coca plant
Processed form of the drug is readily absorbed across all mucosal surfaces– crack cocaine has a much higher concentration of the drug then the regular salt form
Drug has a direct effect on the CNS
Treatment is supportive: Sedatives may be used to control CNS hyperactivity
Clinical signs of Cocaine intoxication
restlessness, excitement, vomiting, hyperesthesia, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine intoxication
Amphetamine/Methamphetamine intoxication
Sympathomimetic drugs with pronounced stimulatory effects on the CNS and cardiovascular system
Treatment is supportive: Sedatives may be used to control CNS hyperactivity
Clinical signs of Amphetamine/Methamphetamine intoxication
observed include restlessness, excitement, mydriasis, vomiting, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hyperthermia, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures
Organ systems affected by plant toxicities include
Gastrointestinal system CNS Cardiovascular system Respiratory system Renal system Liver Skin
Organs systems affected and the severity of the clinical signs observed vary by
Type of plant ingested
Part of the plant ingested
Amount of the plant ingested
The primary treatment for toxic plant ingestion
is decontamination (i.e. inducing emesis, gastric lavage, administering activated charcoal w/ sorbitol)
and symptomatic supportive care
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Contain grayanotoxins in the nectar and all portions of the plant
Grayanotoxin cause myocardium electrical conduction abnormalities
Clincal signs observed include abdominal pain, bruxism, hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, dyspnea, CNS depression, seizures
Prognosis is good with timely treatment
Easter lilies, tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, day lilies
These are the true lilies (belonging to the genus Lilium and Hemerocallis) that produce a potent toxin that is toxic to cats
Even small amounts of the toxin cause renal failure and death in cats
All parts of the plant are poisonous, including its pollen and vase water of cut flowers
Clinical signs and Treatment of lilies
Clinical signs include depression, vomiting, anorexia, dehydration
Decontamination and supportive treatment may prevent renal failure
Lilly of the valley, foxglove, and oleander
Contain cardiac glycosides that cause myocardium electrical conduction abnormalities
In most cases, all parts of the plant are toxic
Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, cardiac arrhythmias
Prognosis varies with amount of plant ingested
Calla lily, peace lily, mother-in-law’s tongue, dumb cane
Contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in their stems and leaves that cause stomatitis and contact dermatitis
Chewing on the plant releases the crystals into the oral cavity causing intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue; hypersalivation; stomatitis; anorexia; vomiting
Prognosis is good and condition resolves within a few days
Sago palm (cycad species of palm trees)
Contains the toxin cycasin which causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract and liver
The highest concentrations of cycasin are found in the seeds, but all parts of the plant are toxic
Clinical signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis, hematochezia, melena, abdominal pain, icterus, ascites, weakness, ataxia, seizures, coma, death
Prognosis is guarded to poor
Grapes and raisins
Some types of grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs
The toxic mechanism that makes this happen is unknown
Castor beans
Contain the toxin ricin, one of the most powerful plant toxins that causes cellular death in tissues
The seeds contain the highest concentration, but all parts of the plant are poisonous
Clinical signs of Castor beans observed in different organ systems
GI signs– vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis Hepatic damage Vascular endothelial damage Myocardial necrosis Pulmonary edema, dyspnea
Onions and garlic
Contains the toxin n-propyl disulfide which causes RBC damage resulting in Heinz body formation and hemolytic anemia
Toxin can be found in fresh, dried, or powdered plant
