[New causes of animal poisoning in Switzerland].
Abstract: This retrospective study evaluated the frequency, etiology, therapy and prognosis of animal poisoning registered from 2003 to 2012. The relevant cases reported to the Swiss Toxicological Information Center (STIC) were compared with those from previously examined periods. Human medicines not approved for animals and pesticides represented the most common causes of poisoning in dogs. Novel cases occurred as a consequence of the exposure of dogs to ricinus fertilizers, grape residues from wineries, pepper lachrymatory spray and dry bouillon. Cats are still freequently poisoned by pyrethroid drugs that should be administered only to dogs. Agrochmical products are the main source of toxicities in farm animals. Most poisonings in horses and exotic animals took place due to toxic plants. In addition, two tigers died of a secondary poisoning after ingestion of meat from euthanized calves.
Publication Date: 2016-01-13 PubMed ID: 26753326DOI: 10.17236/sat00011Google Scholar: Lookup
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study examines the new causes of animal poisoning in Switzerland between 2003 and 2012 by analyzing cases reported to the Swiss Toxicological Information Center, and comparing them with previous periods. It highlights commonly found poisons for dogs, cats, farm animals, horses, and exotic animals, with certain instances from novel sources such as fertilizers and residues from wineries.
Methodology
- The study was a retrospective analysis conducted with data pooled over a decade (2003 to 2012).
- The research team refered to data from the Swiss Toxicological Information Center (STIC) for case identification and details.
- For comparison and tracking changes over time, this new set of data was compared with datasets from previous periods.
Key Findings
- In dogs, human medicines not approved for animals and pesticides were identified as the most widespread causes of poisoning over the period examined.
- Emerging risks of dog poisoning were seen due to exposure to new suspects such as ricinus fertilizers, grape residues from wineries, pepper lachrymatory spray and dry bouillon.
- For cats, pyrethroid drugs, usually intended only for dogs, were the most frequent causes of poisoning.
- Farm animals, on the other hand, were most often exposed to toxic substances from agrochemical products.
- Most reported poisonings in horses and exotic animal species were due to ingestion of toxic plants.
- Secondary poisoning was also highlighted, with an instance of two tigers dying after consuming meat from calves that had been euthanized.
Implications
- The study provides valuable insight into the evolving scenario of animal poisoning, by identifying novel sources of toxins.
- It underscores the need for stricter control measures, safe disposal of human medicines and agrochemicals, and better awareness regarding animal-specific medicines.
- The findings highlight the dangers of secondary poisoning, prompting necessary precautions in the treatment and disposal of euthanized animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Schediwy M, Mevissen M, Demuth D, Kupper J, Naegeli H.
(2016).
[New causes of animal poisoning in Switzerland].
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 157(3), 147-152.
https://doi.org/10.17236/sat00011 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Animals, Zoo
- Cat Diseases / chemically induced
- Cat Diseases / therapy
- Cats
- Dog Diseases / chemically induced
- Dog Diseases / therapy
- Dogs
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Humans
- Poison Control Centers / statistics & numerical data
- Poisoning / etiology
- Poisoning / therapy
- Poisoning / veterinary
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
- Switzerland
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Bertero A, Fossati P, Caloni F. Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:487.
- Seljetun KO, Eliassen E, Karinen R, Moe L, Vindenes V. Quantitative method for analysis of six anticoagulant rodenticides in faeces, applied in a case with repeated samples from a dog. Acta Vet Scand 2018 Jan 17;60(1):3.
- Nagy AL, Ardelean S, Chapuis RJJ, Bouillon J, Pivariu D, De Felice B, Bertazzo M, Fossati P, Spicer LJ, Dreanca AI, Caloni F. Zootoxins and Domestic Animals: A European View. Toxins (Basel) 2024 Jan 16;16(1).
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