VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

CONSEQUENCES OF TOXICITY

• Arsenic affects those tissues which are rich in oxidative enzymes especially in the alimentary tract, kidney, liver, lungs and epidermis.
• It is a potent capillary poison. Although all beds are affected, the spalnchnic areas are more sensitive.
• Loss of capillary integrity and dilatation allows transudation of plasma fluid into the intestinal mucosa and lumen which results in sharply reduced blood volume, hypotension, shock and circulatory collapse.
• Toxic arsenic nephrosis is common in small animals and man.
• Glomerular capillaries dilate, swell and varying degree of degeneration occur. This results in oliguria and urine contains red blood cells and casts.
• Following percutaneous absorption, capillaries dilate and arsenic causes blistering and oedema.
• Skin becomes dry, papery and may crack, bleed and develop secondary infection.

• Tolerance to arsenite: Habitual use of small quantities of arsenic is said to render the body tolerant much larger doses.