PetCaseFinder

Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Paraquat poisoning in a dog and cat.

Journal:
The Veterinary record
Year:
1976
Authors:
Johnson, R P & Huxtable, C R

Plain-English summary

This study discusses cases of paraquat poisoning in a dog and a cat. Paraquat is a strong weed killer that can be very dangerous if ingested, either by accident or on purpose. In the cat, the symptoms were not fatal, while the dog experienced severe health issues that ultimately led to its death. The findings highlight the serious risks associated with paraquat exposure in pets.

Abstract

Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium dichloride) has in the last decade gained popularity as an effective weedicide. It is marketed for commercial use as a liquid concentrate Gramoxone ICI (20% paraquat). Accidental or intentional ingestion of Gramoxone has caused 232 human deaths between 1964 and 1973 (Anon 1974). Most human patients suffer transient renal and hepatic insufficiency and pulmonary oedema followed after a latent period by progressive pulmonary fibrosis leading to death from respiratory failure (Harrison 1972). The clinical features of non-fatal paraquet poisoning in a cat and the clinical and pathological findings in fatal poisoning in a dog are reported.

Find similar cases for your pet

PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.

Search related cases →

Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1258280/