Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle twitching and seizures from insecticide poisoning
By Luethy, Daniela et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2019·Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center (Luethy, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pyrethroid toxicity in a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.
- Species:
- pig
Plain-English summary
A 7-month-old spayed female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig was brought to the vet after experiencing muscle twitching and seizure-like movements that started just four hours earlier. She was very lethargic and showed signs of muscle stiffness in all four legs. Despite various treatments, including medications and supportive care, she did not improve and was ultimately euthanized. Tests revealed she had ingested bifenthrin, a type of insecticide, which caused her severe symptoms. Unfortunately, this case highlights the dangers of pyrethroid insecticide toxicity in pigs, which can cause serious health issues similar to those seen in dogs and cats.
People also search for: pig seizure treatment · pot-bellied pig insecticide poisoning · pyrethroid toxicity in pets
Abstract
A 7-month-old spayed female Vietnamese pot-bellied pig (VPBP) was presented for diffuse muscle fasciculations and seizure-like activity that had started 4 hours before presentation. The pig was stuporous and displayed diffuse involuntary gross motor movement and muscle fasciculations, as well as hypertonicity of all 4 limbs. Hematologic analysis revealed hemoconcentration, severe hyperlactatemia, moderate metabolic acidosis, increased creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase. The pig failed to respond to diazepam, propofol, methocarbamol, and supportive care, followed by general anesthesia, and was euthanized. Bifenthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of stomach contents. Pyrethroid insecticide toxicity in VPBP may result in clinical signs similar to those seen in companion animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30992592/