Veterinary and human toxicology
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Scopolia extract (SE) contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which are both anticholinergic. It is usually used as a patent medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, to relieve spasmotic discomfort, or to decrease the secretion of gastric acid. ⋯ We report a case of severe anticholinergic poisoning after accidentally drinking 8 ml of SE. The patient presented with acute delirium and was successfully treated with physostigmine.
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Chlorine gas exposure is uncommon in children and when it occurs usually results in mild ocular, oropharyngeal, or respiratory symptoms. Occasionally, however, chlorine gas poisoning may cause severe pulmonay toxicity. We report the case of a 14-y-old boy with a history of asthma who was exposed to chlorine gas as a result of an ill-advised science experiment. ⋯ He was treated with positive pressure ventilation, beta-adrenergic agonists, and corticosteroids. After 19 d, he was extubated and subsequently made an excellent recovery. We discuss his case and review the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment and possible long-term sequelae of chlorine gas toxicity.
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Veterinarians commonly prescribe medications to treat a variety of companion animal clinical conditions. Many pet medications are pharmacologically the same product prescribed for human use. We report 2 cases in which pet medications were used for self poisoning. Obtaining a pet history may provide critical information in the assessment of a patient with a suspected overdose.
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This ethylene glycol poisoning case had a blood pH of 6.58 and severe hypothermia (30.9 C). The patient received supportive care with dialysis and ethanol therapy. ⋯ A similar case survived ethylene glycol poisoning neurologicaly intact with an initial pH of 6.46. Although severe acidosis in the presence of serious illness is usually associated with a poor prognosis, our case emphasized the importance of aggressive supportive care and antidotal therapy for ethylene glycol poisoning even when there is a low pH.
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Three outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitization caused by pods of Enterolobium contortisiliquum are reported in cattle. Clinical signs were anorexia, depression, photosensitization and abortion. Most affected cattle recovered in 30-40 d. ⋯ Fruits of the plants administrated to 2 calves produced clinical signs and 2/4 died. Clinical chemistry, gross necropsies and histopathology confirmed gastrointestinal irritation and liver degeneration. One calf dosed with only E contortisiliquum leaves did not develop clinical signs.