Secondary phosphorus poisoning in dogs

Authors: Bentley GR, Gumbrell RC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 43, Issue 1, pp 25-26, Feb 1995
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog, Possum, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Minerals/elememts, Toxicology, Pest/pesticides, Poisoning - chemical
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Subsequent to a possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) poisoning operation purportedly using 1% phosphorus baits, six dogs with access to poisoned possums died of phosphorus poisoning. Two dogs survived, following treatment with oral copper sulphate and parenteral vitamin K. Clinical signs included depression, jaundice, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Post-mortem lesions included large areas of subcutaneous, interstitial and intermuscular haemorrhage, subserosal haemorrhage and liver degeneration. Free phosphorus was detected in the ingesta of three of the dogs which died up to 7 days after the last of the poison was laid. Analysis of two batches of baits used showed P levels of 1.17% and 1.24%.

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