VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

SULPHUR DIOXIDE POISONING

• Sulfur dioxide poisoning has been reported in animals grazing in the vicinity of copper works.
• Exposure to a concentration of 500 ppm of the gas in air for one hour is considered to be dangerous.
• Another potential hazard has been noticed after the introduction of sodium bisulphite as a preservative for silage; sulfur dioxide is evolved from the bisulfite during the fermentation process.
• Severe intoxication from silage preserved with bisulfite is not considered to be important because of the anorexia noticed after consuming the contaminated silage.
• H ₂ S0 ₄ present as mist in air causes laryngeal spasm and deep lung damage which includes degeneration of respiratory tract epithelium, hyperemia, edema, emphysema and hemorrhage.
• There is no specific antidote.