Veterinary Taxicology

CLASSIFICATION OF POISONS

• Based on their toxic effects in the body as:
  • Poisons which cause death by anoxia
    • Poisons which make haemoglobin incapable of transporting oxygen
      e.g. Carbon monoxide, nitrites
    • Poisons which inhibit cellular respiratory enzymes
      e.g. Cyanides
    • Poisons which destroy haemopoietic organs
      e.g. Radioactive substances
  • Poisons, which on contact cause irritation or corrosiveness of the organs (skin) or damage the organ through which they are excreted (GI tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract) e.g. Irritant gases, alkaline corrosives, corrosive inorganic acids, corrosive organic acids and heavy metals
  • Poisons, which damage protoplasm or parenchyma. These poisons produce local irritation and after absorption cause damage to the cells and capillaries e.g. Phosphorus and carbon tetrachloride
  • Poisons, which affect the nerve cells and fibres e.g. Hypnotics, narcotics, anesthetics, alcohol, some alkaloids and glycosides
• Based on their chemical and physical nature as, organic poisons, inorganic poisons, gaseous poisons, nitrogenous and non-notrogenous organic poisons etc.
• Based on their behaviour during separation procedures as volatile poisons, non-volatile organic poisons isolated by solvent extraction, metallic poisons and miscellaneous poisons.
• Based on their origin as plant poisons, toxins, venoms etc.
• Based on their use as antimicrobials, anticoccidials, anthelmintics, anaesthetics etc.
• Based on the source as naturally occurring and man-made.