Farm animal toxicology

• What are the main components of the approach to poisoning cases?

  History, physical examination, post mortem examination
• What key questions should be asked in poisoning cases?

  Main clinical signs, likelihood of poisoning, exclude other Ddx
• What factors contribute to poisoning in animals?

  Management, nutrition, human error, animal factors
• What are the general principles of treatment for poisoning?

  • Reduce toxin absorption
  • Speed toxin elimination
  • Symptomatic treatment
  • Use of antagonists
• What are some methods to reduce toxin absorption?

  Absorbants, purgatives, oral fluid therapy
• What is the purpose of forced diuresis in poisoning treatment?

  To speed up toxin elimination from the body
• Which plant is associated with sudden death in animals?

  Yew
• What gastrointestinal signs are associated with hemlock poisoning?

  Diarrhoea
• Which plant can cause frothy bloat?

  Lush pasture
• What are the neurological signs associated with ragwort poisoning?

  Blindness, excitability, ataxia
• How does the onset of poisoning differ between immediate and delayed types?

  Immediate occurs quickly; delayed takes time
• What is the aetiology of fog fever?

  L-Tryptophan toxicity
• What are the clinical signs of fog fever?

  Mixed dyspnoea, mouth breathing, fluid crackles
• What is the treatment for fog fever?

  Diuretic: Furosemide, NSAID: meloxicam
• What are the clinical signs of oak poisoning?

  Anorexia, dullness, gastrointestinal issues
• What is the pathogenesis of oak poisoning?

  Tannic acid causes GI ulceration and nephrotoxicity
• What are the clinical signs of bracken poisoning?

  Red urine, anaemia, bone marrow suppression
• What is the aetiology of copper poisoning?

  Short-term exposure to high levels or chronic exposure
• How does molybdenum affect copper levels in cattle?

  Molybdenum acts as a copper antagonist
• What are the clinical signs of photosensitisation?

  • Raw areas on skin
  • Protect against infection
  • NSAIDs for pain relief
• What is required for the confirmation of chemical poisoning diagnosis?

  Chemical assay of suspect material
• What are the sources of lead poisoning?

  Lead paint, pipes, car batteries
• How do clinical signs of lead poisoning vary?

  Based on rate and magnitude of exposure
• What are the clinical signs of copper poisoning?

  Haemolytic crisis, abdominal pain, sudden death
• What is the treatment for copper poisoning?

  Supportive care and oral copper boluses
• What are the clinical signs of molybdenum poisoning?

  Diarrhoea, poor condition, stiff gait
• What are the prevention strategies for copper deficiency?

  • Copper boluses
  • In-feed supplementation