Clinical and laboratory evaluation of dogs experimentally intoxicated with toad venom

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory aspects of dogs intoxicated with toad poison. Overall, 20 male and female, adult healthy dogs of undefined breed were used and divided into two groups: control (n = 5) and intoxicated with toad venom (n = 15). The dogs were submitted to anesthesia induction with thiopental and maintained on inhalation anesthesia with 3% isoflurane during the evaluation and data collection period. In this period, animals in the control group received saline and the animals in the intoxicated group received an aliquot of toad venom through orogastric probe. Samples for hematological, serum biochemical and blood gas analyses were collected. During the evaluation, drooling, oral mucosa irritation, defecation, urination, congestion and hyperemia of the oral mucosa were observed. Intoxication due to bufotoxin caused evident gastroenteritis and neurological alterations with variable signs. Toad venom did not cause renal injury and may be considered non-nephrotoxic in the present experimental conditions. The intoxicated animals showed a slight liver change measured by the ALT and ALP values, and blood gas analysis showed that various acid-base balance changes may occur.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bufotoxin ، Poisoning ، Blood count ، Serum biochemistry ، Dogs