Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Paraquat poisoning in dogs after park visit with high death risk
By Shuler, Carrie M et al.·Published in Veterinary and human toxicology·2004·Oregon Department of Health and Human Services, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Retrospective case series of suspected intentional paraquat poisonings: diagnostic findings and risk factors for death.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs was brought to the vet after visiting a local park around the 4th of July weekend in 2003, where they showed symptoms of poisoning. Many of the dogs had either eaten something at the park or vomited meat-like material shortly after their visit. Sadly, 11 out of 14 dogs died or had to be euthanized. Tests revealed that some dogs had ingested paraquat, a toxic herbicide. Dogs that developed oral or gastrointestinal ulcers had a better chance of recovery.
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Abstract
We investigated a cluster of canine poisonings around the 4th of July weekend in 2003 in dogs that visited a local park. Medical records review and personal interviews were performed on 17 suspect cases; 14 dogs met the case definition criteria. The 13/14 dogs were allowed off-leash at some point during their visit to the park; 7 owners noted their dog had either eaten something at the park or vomited up meat-like material within 1 h after their walk. Eleven of the 14 dogs died or were euthanized. Urine samples from 4 dogs were positive for trace amounts of paraquat and 1 vomitus sample tested positive. Tachypnea was a significant risk factor for death of the dogs. Oral or gastrointestinal ulcers were significantly correlated with recovery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15587247/