Acute coumaphos organophosphate exposure in the domestic dogs: Its implication on haematology and liver functions

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of organophosphate acaricides especially among livestock and dog owners in the control of ticks and other ectoparasites has taken a worrisome dimension. In the present study, we investigated, the effects of acute dermal exposure in the form of acaricides baths of coumaphos at different concentrations on the haematology, blood pressure and liver functions in local mongrel dogs.Twenty-four, male mongrel dogs of about 8 months of age with an average weight of 9.88 ± 0.4 kg were used for the study. The dogs were divided into four groups consisting of six dogs per group. Group A (control) was bathed with ordinary water, while group B was bathed with the recommended concentration of 0.016% (160 ppm) Coumaphos in water. Groups C and D were bathed with 10 and 20 times the recommended dose (1600 ppm and 3200 ppm), respectively.Significant leucopenia, increased plasma urea and decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) values were observed at 8 h post exposure, which worsened with time. At 24 and 36 hrs post exposure, normochromic normocytic anaemia, pan leucopenia, bloody diarrhoea, retching, vomiting and paddling were observed in affected animals. Post mortem examination revealed severe lungs, liver and stomach congestion. Multifocal areas of necrosis in the liver and kidney, serosal and mucosal haemorrhages and haemorrhagic meningitis were also observed.The use of excessively high concentration of organophosphate as acaricides bath is associated with severe anticholinesterase poisoning, which may result in death of affected animals.

Anti-Varroa Efficiency of Coumaphos and Its Influence on Oxidative Stress and Survival of Honey Bees

“…One of these is coumaphos. Apart from being used in veterinary medicine, in farm animals and dogs against ticks, lice and fl eas [21,22], this organophosphorus acaricide is applied in apiculture for the control of Varroa infestation [23].…”

A suspected intermediate syndrome and intussusception following propoxur toxicity in a dog

“…[1][2][3][4] Central nervous system signs, including seizures, hyperactivity and reduced states of consciousness, can occur. [1][2][3][4] Other than the acute cholinergic crisis, two rare types of delayed neurological syndromes have been reported with anticholinesterase intoxication: the OPIND and the IS. [6][7][8][9] The OPIND has a delayed onset of 1−4 weeks after intoxication, is caused by chronic exposure to organophosphates and is characterised by pelvic limb weakness, ataxia and mental obtundation.…”

“…1 These compounds inhibit the enzyme AChE, which is responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh) in the synapses of the cholinergic nervous system. [1][2][3][4] The inhibition of this enzyme results in the accumulation of ACh within the synapse, which in turn increases the stimulation of the postsynaptic nerve or muscle expressing nicotinic or muscarinic receptors. [1][2][3][4] After ingestion or inhalation, clinical signs develop over the course of several hours.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] The inhibition of this enzyme results in the accumulation of ACh within the synapse, which in turn increases the stimulation of the postsynaptic nerve or muscle expressing nicotinic or muscarinic receptors. [1][2][3][4] After ingestion or inhalation, clinical signs develop over the course of several hours. [1][2][3][4] Clinical signs are mainly acute and are caused by the effects of overstimulated nicotinic receptors (muscle tremors/twitching, respiratory paralysis and weakness) and muscarinic receptors (salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, emesis, miosis, bronchorrhea and bronchospasm).…”

“…[1][2][3][4] After ingestion or inhalation, clinical signs develop over the course of several hours. [1][2][3][4] Clinical signs are mainly acute and are caused by the effects of overstimulated nicotinic receptors (muscle tremors/twitching, respiratory paralysis and weakness) and muscarinic receptors (salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, emesis, miosis, bronchorrhea and bronchospasm). [1][2][3][4] Central nervous system signs, including seizures, hyperactivity and reduced states of consciousness, can occur.…”