© Kirrawee Veterinary Hospital CANINE DISEASES
Insecticide Poisoning
Anticholinesterase compounds (organophosphates and carbamate)
in insecticides will normally produce signs of poisoning with
one hour of being eaten. These signs include drooling, muscle
twitching, small pupils, leading to weakness, difficulty breathing,
and death. Atropine is the specific antidote for anticholinesterase poisoning.
It is given at high doses of up to 0.4mg/kg by slow intravenous
injection. Animals which are not collapsed can be made to vomit.
Oxygen therapy may be necessary if there are signs of cyanosis
(blue gums). Response to treatment is generally good. Some common organophosphates include Chlorpyrophos, Coumaphos, Diazanon, Phosmet, Malathion, Tetrachlorvinophos Some common carbamates include Methomyl, Propoxur, Carbaryl, Bendiocarb, Aldicarb, Carbofuran Some non specific atropine responsive anticholinesterases include Amitraz, Propetamphos, Fenthion, Temephos, Famphur Organochlorine insecticides (chlorinated hydrocarbons) can produce
a range of neurological signs similar to anticholinesterases however
seizures are more common. The onset of symptoms can be very rapid
(10 minutes) or delayed up to twenty four hours after exposure.
Many of these chemicals persist in the environment for long periods
with poisonings occurring up to 12 weeks after application. Long
term exposure can produce kidney and liver damage. There is no specific antidote for organochlorines with treatment
being symptomatic. Some common organochlorines include DDT, TDE, Methoxychlor, Lindane, Chlordane, Toxaphene, Dieldrin,
Aldrin, Endrin Related sites |