Hernández OCP, Rosiles MR, Masri DM, Pérez TJL

Language: English/Spanish
References: 9
Page: 343-346
PDF size: 49.68 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Evidence for zinc phosphide intoxication in a mare is described in this study. Clinical sings included: Costal recumbency, profuse sweating, muscle tremors, hyperesthesia and abdominal pain. Death occurred in the following 12 hours. Post mortem macro-microscopic findings were peritoneal- and pleural subserosal hemorrhages, and blood vessel congestion as well. During visual inspection at the stable, a gray powder was found in the bunk, and during acidification of this powder, an odor similar to acetylene gas was detected. This finding suggested zinc phosphide intoxication. In order to confirm such intoxication, laboratory analysis by atomic absorption for zinc in samples resulted as follows: Gray powder = 7 495 ppm, gastric content = 1 470 ppm, feed = 1 750 ppm dry weight bases. Findings including clinical sings, post mortem changes and similar zinc amounts in feed and stomach content confirm a zinc phosphide intoxication.

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