Lead toxicity

Buy now to access the full article, existing subscribers login

Sections available in full article Introduction, Presenting signs, Age predisposition, Sex predisposition, Special risks (e.g. anesthetic), Pathogenesis, Etiology, Predisposing factors, 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, Standard treatment, Monitoring, Prevention, Control, Sequelae, Prognosis, Expected response to treatment, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Publications, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Rhea Morgan DVM DACVIM DACVO
Dr MarkThompson DVM DipABVP
Synonyms Plumbism

Introduction

  • Incidence has decreased steadily since the late 1970s.
  • Most common exposure is via injestion.
  • Signs : gastrointestinal, neurological signs.
  • Treatment : calcium-EDTA Calcium disodium edetate (CaEDTA) , mesodimercaptosuccinic acid (succimer), d-penicilliamine Penicillamine.
  • Diagnosis : clinical signs, blood lead levels.
  • Prognosis : good if prompt treatment.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

  • Anorexia.
  • Vomiting/diarrhea.
  • Colic.
  • Aggression/hysteria.
  • Seizures, tremors.
  • Dementia, depression.
  • Ataxia, tremors.
  • Blindness.
  • Regurgitation (megaesophagus).
  • Polyuria/polydipsia.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

  • Other causes of neurological signs:
    • Epilepsy Epilepsy: idiopathicEpilepsy: traumatic.
    • Canine distemper Canine distemper disease.
  • Other toxicities:
    • Strychnine.
    • Zinc.
    • Chlorinated hydrocarbon.
    • Garbage intoxication.
    • Thallium.

Sequelae

Prognosis

  • Generally good. Approximately 85-90% respond favorably to therapy.
  • Poor if neurological signs are severe.

Expected response to treatment

  • Clinical improvement should be seen 24-48 h.
  • After one course of therapy if blood lead levels are not <35 microg/dl, repeat therapy. If blood lead levels after therapy are <35 microg/dl, then monitor lead levels again in 2-3 weeks to make sure they continue to fall (or are not rising again).

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Delayed treatment.
  • Inadequate dosage or duration of therapy.
  • Failure to recognize that more than one course of therapy may be needed.
  • Premature termination of therapy due to expense.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Owens J G & Dorman D C (1997) Common household hazards for small animals. Vet Med 92 , 140-148.
  • Morgan R V (1994) Lead poisoning in small companion animals: an update (1987-1992). Vet Human Toxicol 36 , 18-22.
  • Morgan R V et al(1991) Clinical and laboratory findings in small companion animals with lead poisoning - 347 cases (1977-1986). JAVMA 199 , 93-97.
  • Morgan R V et al(1991) Demographic data and treatment of small companion animals with lead poisoning - 347 cases (1977-1986). JAVMA 199 , 98-102.

Other sources of information

  • Carson T L, Osweiler G D (2002) Household and metal toxicants. In: Morgan R V, Bright R N, Swartout M S (eds) Handbook of Small Animal Practice. 4th Ed. W B Saunders, Philadelphia. pp 1222-1229.

Sample content only, to unlock the full article login or buy now

Loading...