Carbamate poisoning

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Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Cost considerations, Pathogenesis, Etiology, Pathophysiology, Timecourse (incubation, duration), Diagnosis, Presenting problems, Client history, Clinical signs, Diagnostic investigation, Confirmation of diagnosis, Gross autopsy findings, Differential diagnosis, Treatment, Initial symptomatic treatment, Monitoring, Prevention, Prophylaxis, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s), Organization(s),
Contributors Dr Lisa Moore DVM DipACVIM
Synonyms Carbaryl, acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, methiocarb, toxicity, fungicide, herbicide

Introduction

  • Cause : ingestion of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides derived from carbamic acid, thiocarbamic acid or dithiocarbamic acid, generally of low toxicity; mechanism of poisoning similar to organophosphate poisoning.
  • Signs : vomiting, tremor, convulsions.
  • Diagnosis : history, clinical signs.
  • Treatment : specific - atropine to effect; nervous signs - diazepam.
    The oximes, eg pralidoxime, are ineffective in carbamate poisoning.
    Do not administer barbiturates or other cardiorespiratory depressants.
  • See also organophosphate poisonings Organophosphorus poisoning.
  • Prognosis : excellent if treatment administered early enough.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs



Muscarinic effects
  • Salivation/lacrimation.
  • Vomiting.
  • Incontinence Urinary incontinence (due to relaxation of the sphincters).
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Miosis.
  • Apprehension.
  • Tachycardia.
Nicotinic effects
  • Predominantly neuromuscular.
  • Muscle fasciculations which become progressively more generalized.
  • Muscular contractions.
  • Clonic spasms.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis



Other poisoning
  • Strychnine.
  • Organophosphate Organophosphorus poisoning.
  • Metaldehyde Metaldehyde poisoning.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Excellent if treatment initiated early, or if mild.

Expected response to treatment

  • Resolution of clinical signs.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Inadequate treatment.
  • Incorrect treatment such as use of pralidoxime, or barbiturates for sedation.
  • High toxicity of the carbamate ingested.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • McEntee K, Poncelat L, Clerc X & Henroteaux M (1994) Acute polymyopathy after carbamate poisoning in a dog. Vet Rec 135 , 88-90.
  • Fikes J D (1990) Toxicology of selected pesticides, drugs and chemicals - organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides. Vet Clin NA 20 , 353-367.

Other sources of information

  • Lorgue G, Lechenet J & Reviere A (1966) Clinical Veterinary Toxicology. pp 66-68.

Organization(s)

  • VPIS (London) , Poisons Unit, Avonley Road, London SE14 5ER, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7635 9195.
  • National Animal Poison Control Center , University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, USA.

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