The veterinary importance of the toxic syndrome induced by ionophores.
Abstract: Monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, narasin and maduramicin are carboxylic ionophores intended for use as anticoccidial drugs for poultry and as growth promotants for ruminants. Generally, ionophores have been found safe and effective in the target animals receiving recommended dosage levels. However, toxic syndromes can result from overdosage and misuse situations. More information and reports of adverse reactions are available for monensin than the other ionophores because of monensin's longstanding and widespread use in the poultry and livestock industries. Care must be exercised in the diagnosis of ionophore toxicoses since clinical signs and lesions are not pathognomic. However, a feed-related problem characterized clinically by anorexia, diarrhea, dyspnea, ataxia, depression, recumbency and death, and pathologically by focal degenerative cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle necrosis, and congestive heart failure may warrant a presumptive diagnosis of ionophore toxicity. Confirmatory diagnosis will require considerations of differential diagnoses and laboratory assays to determine the specific ionophore involved. Presently, there is no antidote or treatment for toxicoses induced by the ionophores. Judicious use, avoidance of overdosing, and adherence to species recommendation will help prevent the occurrence of adverse effects associated with this class of compounds.
Publication Date: 1992-02-01 PubMed ID: 1621367
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study explores the toxicity risks that certain anticoccidial drugs, known as ionophores, can pose to domesticated animals. Although they are generally considered safe at the recommended dosages, overdose or misuse can result in dangerous and potentially fatal reactions.
Background on Ionophores
- Ionophores are carboxylic drugs typically used as anticoccidial meds for poultry and growth enhancers for ruminants.
- The most common ionophores are monensin, lasalocid, salinomycin, narasin, and maduramicin.
- These medications are generally considered safe and effective for their intended uses when administered in the correct doses.
Ionophore Toxicity
- If too much of an ionophore drug is given or it is given incorrectly, it can result in a toxic syndrome.
- Monensin is the most widely reported ionophore associated with adverse reactions, likely due to its common usage in the poultry and livestock industry.
- Clinical signs of ionophore toxicity in animals can include lack of appetite, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination, depression, difficulty standing or lying down, and in extreme cases, death.
Diagnosis of Ionophore Toxicity
- Diagnosing ionophore toxicity is a challenge as symptoms and necropsy findings are not specific to the condition.
- Presumptive diagnosis of ionophore toxicity might be considered if the animal’s food is linked to a health issue, and it presents with the typical symptoms, as well as cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle necrosis, and heart failure upon necropsy.
- A confirmatory diagnosis would need to consider differential diagnoses and laboratory testing to identify the specific ionophore involved.
Treatment for Ionophore Toxicity
- There are currently no antidotes or treatments available for ionophore-induced toxicosis.
- Prevention is key and can be achieved through careful administration of the drugs, strict adherence to recommended dosages, and only using drugs approved for the species in question.
Cite This Article
APA
Novilla MN.
(1992).
The veterinary importance of the toxic syndrome induced by ionophores.
Vet Hum Toxicol, 34(1), 66-70.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases / chemically induced
- Cattle Diseases / diagnosis
- Cattle Diseases / pathology
- Chickens
- Coccidiostats / poisoning
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Ionophores / poisoning
- Poultry Diseases / chemically induced
- Poultry Diseases / diagnosis
- Poultry Diseases / pathology
- Sheep
Citations
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