Organophosphate ester flame retardant-induced acute intoxications in dogs.
BACKGROUND
Flame retardants have wide industrial applications and are incorporated into articles found in automobiles and home environments, including seat cushions. These compounds differ widely chemically and in their toxic potential. We report here two cases involving dogs following ingestion of car seat cushions impregnated with organophosphate ester fire retardants.


METHODS
Two case reports are presented. Two adult American Pit Bull dogs were presented at an emergency clinic with acute signs of central nervous system excitation including seizures. The most severely affected dog died 15 min after presentation, while the less affected dog fully recovered following treatment. In the second case, both a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler were found dead in the morning after they were left in a car overnight. A comprehensive toxicological analysis of samples from both cases revealed the presence of significant amounts (>2 ppm) of tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) in stomach contents. This compound is a known inducer of epileptic seizures. Some other structurally related organophosphate ester compounds were found, and their role in the acute intoxications reported here is not known and remains to be determined.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first report linking acute deaths in dogs to the ingestion of car seat cushions found to contain large amounts of TCEP, an organophosphate ester compound. It is highly likely that this compound caused death through its known seizure-inducing activity.
Lehner
Andreas F
AF
Toxicology Section, Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Rd, East Lansing, MI 48910, USA. LehnerA@dcpah.msu.edu
Samsing
Francisca
F
Rumbeiha
Wilson K
WK
D000208:Acute Disease; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004285:Dogs; D004952:Esters; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D010720:Phosphines / Q000506:poisoning*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary
D004952:Esters; D005411:Flame Retardants; D010720:Phosphines; C080938:tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine