Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chronic Methylmercury Toxicosis in the Guinea Pig
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1973
- Authors:
- Yamini, Behzad & Sleight, Stuart D.
- Affiliation:
- From the Department of Pathology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. 48823. · United States
- Species:
- rodent
Abstract
SUMMARY Chronic toxicosis was induced in 2 guinea pigs by feeding methylmercury (22.5 p.p.m.) in the feed for 150 days. Clinical signs were mainly neurologic and progressed from incoordination and ataxia to terminal severe spastic paralysis. Extensive destruction of gray matter occurred in the cerebrum and was characterized by calcified neurons, granules, and hyaline droplets. Marked fibrinoid necrosis of vessels was accompanied by hemorrhage and foci of malacia in perivascular regions in the cerebrum. Demyelination was prominent in the spinal cord and in the peripheral nerves. Lesions in the liver, spleen, and kidney were not marked and consisted mainly of degeneration and fibrosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.1973.163.06.593