Sodium fluoroacetate toxicity: a case report of malicious poisoning in dogs across a Phoenix, Arizona neighborhood

Abstract

In May 2016, thirteen dogs housed in backyards within a single neighborhood were reported to have developed convulsions and died within a 24 h period. An investigation of the scene by law enforcement resulted in submission of eight dogs for postmortem examination. It was suspected that a rapid acting toxin was the cause of death. A gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) protocol combined with thin-layer chromatography that allows screening for common convulsants failed to identify a toxin in either pooled gastric content or liver samples from select cases. After consultation with a veterinary toxicologist, sodium fluoroacetate poisoning was investigated. Sodium fluoroacetate, also known as 1080, is a pesticide that was available in the United States from the 1940's to the 1970's, but since 1972 has been banned or under EPA restricted use. When gastric content was re-tested using a GC-MS protocol with selective fluoroacetate ion monitoring and carbon 14 radiolabeling to facilitate quantification, 379 ppb sodium fluoroacetate was detected in a pooled gastric content sample. In spite of its banned status, sodium fluoroacetate remains a rarely reported cause of malicious poisoning in domestic dogs in the United Sates. This compound is highly toxic and is capable of causing death in dogs, humans, other mammals, and insects in ingested quantities as small as a few droplets. Even when geographic or historical proximity to a source is not evident, this intoxication should be considered in dogs exhibiting compatible clinical signs.

Pentafluorobenzylation and detection of sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) in veterinary samples using gas chromatography/tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring

“…No action on this bill can be reported at this time. However, in spite of restrictions on its use in the United States, rodenticide products containing MFA are available in Mexico and have been purchased and used to perpetrate the criminal poisoning of companion animals in the southwest United States 3 …”

“…1 States. 3 The primary mechanism of action by which compound 1080 works is through disruption of the Krebs cycle. MFA is converted to fluorocitrate that inhibits the enzymes aconitase and succinate dehydrogenase, thus interfering with energy production and cellular function.…”

Methylene blue and monosodium glutamate improve neurologic signs after fluoroacetate poisoning

“…In the past 10 years, the identification of 1080 intoxication in livestock doi: 10.1111/nyas.14347 and domesticated animals has continued to be a focus. [15][16][17][18] These studies have been complemented by novel strategies to identify 1080 contamination in food and water sources. 19,20 However, despite ongoing research, there is still no reliable treatment for intoxication.…”

“…The lack of specific signs and symptoms combined with the delayed onset complicates efforts to diagnose poisoning. In the past 10 years, the identification of 1080 intoxication in livestock and domesticated animals has continued to be a focus 15–18 . These studies have been complemented by novel strategies to identify 1080 contamination in food and water sources 19,20 .…”