VPT 321: Veterinary Neuropharmacology (2+1)

TOXICITY OF ATROPINE

Interspecies variations are observed with atropine toxicity.

• Herbivora are more resistant than carnivora.
• Certain strains of rabbits are resistant to a diet of belladonna leaves, (as the liver contains the enzyme atropinase) although eating their meat may be toxic if eaten by dogs, cats or humans.
• Horses, cattle and goats are relatively resistant when given orally, but when administered parenterally, they are susceptible.
• Swine are susceptible to poisoning, usually from eating the deadly nightshade plant.
• Signs of toxicity includes dry mouth, thirst, constipation, mydriasis, tachycardia, restlessness, delirium, ataxia, convulsions, respiratory depression and respiratory failure leads to death. When urine from the animal suspected of atropine poisoning is instilled in the eye of a cat, dilatation can be noticed.