Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and outcomes of zinc phosphide poisoning in 362 dogs
By Gray, Sarah L et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2011·Department of Clinical Studies, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Potential zinc phosphide rodenticide toxicosis in dogs: 362 cases (2004-2009).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 362 dogs was evaluated after being exposed to a rodent poison called zinc phosphide. While over half of the dogs showed no symptoms, some developed gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, along with other signs such as lethargy and breathing problems. Most dogs received veterinary care, which often included treatments like inducing vomiting or giving activated charcoal. Fortunately, the survival rate was very high, with 98.3% of the dogs recovering well after treatment.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate records of dogs exposed to zinc phosphide rodenticides and characterize the patient population, including breed, sex, age, body weight, time since exposure, development of clinical signs, clinical signs observed, treatments performed, veterinary care received, outcome, and overall prognosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 362 dogs with presumed zinc phosphide exposure. PROCEDURES: An electronic computer database from an animal poison control center was searched to identify dogs that ingested zinc phosphide between November 2004 and July 2009. RESULTS: Accurate information regarding development of clinical signs was available in 94.5% (342/362) of cases. Over half the dogs (58.8% [201/342]) did not develop clinical signs, and specific clinical signs were reported for the remaining 41.2% (141/342) of dogs. There were 180 total clinical signs recorded for these 141 dogs, with some dogs having developed > 1 category of clinical signs. Clinical signs involving the gastrointestinal tract were the most commonly reported type of clinical sign (66.7% [n = 120/180 reported signs]), followed by generalized malaise (17.8% [32/180]), CNS signs (8.9% [16/180]), respiratory signs (3.3% [6/180]), and cardiovascular signs (1.7% [3/180]). Approximately 65% (234/362) of patients received veterinary care (including decontamination via induction of emesis, gastric lavage, or activated charcoal administration), and of these dogs, 51.3% (120/234) were hospitalized. For the 296 dogs for which survival data were available, the survival rate was 98.3% (291/296). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overall, the prognosis for zinc phosphide toxicosis was good. Zinc phosphide rodenticide toxicosis is a potential public health concern, and veterinary staff should be aware of this commonly used rodenticide.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21879965/