Fluroacetate poisoning

This is highly toxic to all species.

• Sodium fluroacetate is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, abraded skin and mucous membrane.

Mechanism of action:

Fluroacetate enters into cells.

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Enters into cells.

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Condense with oxaloacetate

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Flurocitrateècompetes with citrate for active site of enzyme aconitase in krebs cycle.

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Block the krebs cycle

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Decrese O₂  consumption

Decrease energy production

Decrease cellular concentration of ATP

Sodium fluroacetae is metabolised to flurocitrate.

 This blocks the citric acid cycle.

• Flurocitrate inhibits aconitase and the oxidation of citric acid thus blocking tri carboxylic acid cycle.
• Energy depletion, accumulation of lactate and citrate and decrease in blood pH occur.
• Cellular respiration and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats are interfered with.

Clinical Signs :

Neurptoxic signs are most common in dogs .

Restlessness, anxiety, hyperirritability, vomiting,repetive urination, defecation, tenesmus, dyspnea, frothing, hyperemia and death(from seizure and respiratory failure ).

Ruminant and horses ( Cardiac signs are prominent)

Arrhythmia, rapid weak pulse, ventricular fibrillation, staggering, trembling, sweating(horse),

Grinding of teeth and termina(seizures)

PM findings:

Rapid “Rigor mortis”

Petechial haemorrhage in the instestine and on the epi and endocardium.

Liver, kidney congestion

Brain : oedema and perivascular infiltration with lymphocytes.

Diagnosis:

History, clinical signs , symptoms and PM findings.

Lab diagnosis : kidney, liver ,stomach contents.

Treatment:

No specific treatment.

Supportive therapy is required:

• Gastric lavage and absorbents
• Glycerol monoacetate(monoacetin) – competitive antagonist of fluroacetate

Dose – 0.5 mg/kg /hr in 5 parts of NS IM until a total dosage of  2-4mg/kg body weight is reached .

• Ethanol 50% + acetic acid 5% Dose- 8ml/kg PO ( which decrease conversion of fluroacetate to flurocitrite)
• Barbiturates to control seizures
• Calcium borogluconate –to control tetany
• Anti-arrythmics if required.