Oral treatment of avian lead intoxication with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid.
The efficacy of meso-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) (succimer) in treating avian lead intoxication was studied in a retrospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal study. Nineteen birds with moderate to high blood lead concentration and neurologic signs compatible with lead toxicity were treated with DMSA (30 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.; n = 15) for a minimum of 7 days. In cases with severe neurologic signs, DMSA was supplemented with a single dose of edetate calcium disodium (<50.0 mg/kg of body weight i.m.; n = 4). Blood lead concentrations were measured two or more times (before and after treatment). Median blood lead concentration decreased (87%), neurologic signs were resolved, and there were no apparent adverse secondary effects.
Division of Wildlife Health, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Schurman Hall S1-063, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Almira L
AL
Hoogesteijn
Bonnie L
BL
Raphael
Paul
P
Calle
Robert
R
Cook
George
G
Kollias
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001717:Birds; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D004113:Succimer / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002614:Chelating Agents; D007854:Lead; D004113:Succimer