Fatal paraquat poisoning in seven Portland, Oregon, dogs.
Paraquat is one of the few broad-spectrum herbicides available in the US; however, it is extremely toxic to companion animals when ingested. Despite its restricted use status, poisoning of dogs and cats remains relatively common. This clinical report documents a series of chronologically and geographically related cases of presumed malicious and fatal sub-acute paraquat poisoning in 7 dogs in Portland, OR. All animals developed acute gastrointestinal disturbance, renal compromise and insidiously progressive respiratory failure. Hyperlipasemia and moderate hypertension were notable featured in 5/7 cases. Trace levels of paraquat were demonstrated in the urine of 4/7 animals by gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Diagnosis in the remaining 3 cases was made through a combination of history or exposure, clinical signs and their progression, and pulmonary and renal histopathology.
Cope
R B
RB
Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Bildfell
R J
RJ
Valentine
B A
BA
White
K S
KS
Cooper
B J
BJ
Oncken
Andrea
A
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary; D006540:Herbicides / Q000506:poisoning*; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D010269:Paraquat / Q000506:poisoning*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary
D006540:Herbicides; D008055:Lipids; D010269:Paraquat