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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Fatal paraquat poisoning in seven Portland, Oregon, dogs.

Journal:
Veterinary and human toxicology
Year:
2004
Authors:
Cope, R B et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Biomedical Sciences · United States

Abstract

Paraquat is one of the few broad-spectrum herbicides available in the US; however, it is extremely toxic to companion animals when ingested. Despite its restricted use status, poisoning of dogs and cats remains relatively common. This clinical report documents a series of chronologically and geographically related cases of presumed malicious and fatal sub-acute paraquat poisoning in 7 dogs in Portland, OR. All animals developed acute gastrointestinal disturbance, renal compromise and insidiously progressive respiratory failure. Hyperlipasemia and moderate hypertension were notable featured in 5/7 cases. Trace levels of paraquat were demonstrated in the urine of 4/7 animals by gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Diagnosis in the remaining 3 cases was made through a combination of history or exposure, clinical signs and their progression, and pulmonary and renal histopathology.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15487649/