VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

FACTORS INFLUENCING TOXICITY

• Age – very young animals are more susceptible.
• Species – goats, swine and chicken are more resistant.
• Pregnant ewes are more susceptible.
• Soluble salts of lead like lead acetate are more toxic than insoluble salts like lead oxide.
• Rate of ingestion – large amounts ingested in one or two days is more toxic.
• Presence of other toxicants and debilitating disease enhances toxicity.
• Debilitated, weak, poorly nourished and emaciated animals are more susceptible than healthy animals.
• Presence of food or ingesta in the stomach or intestine delays absorption and thereby reduced toxicity.