Thallium toxicosis in a Pit Bull Terrier

Petra A. Volmer, Valentina Merola, Tanasa Osborne, Keith L. Bailey, Gavin Meerdink

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Thallotoxicosis is described in an adult Pit Bull Terrier. The dog exhibited anorexia, emesis, weakness, conscious proprioceptive deficits, and a hemorrhagic diarrhea before death. A severe, acute necrotizing enterocolitis was evident upon histological examination, as was a multifocal to coalescing pulmonary edema. Liver and kidney thallium concentrations were 18 and 26 ppm, respectively. The source of the thallium was determined to be thallium sulfate obtained by a person with the intent to harm family members. Although thallium has not been produced in the United States for 20 years, this report demonstrates the need to consider thallium toxicosis as a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with vague and mixed gastrointestinal and neurological signs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)134-137
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2006

Keywords

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis
  • Thallium
  • Thallium poisoning
  • Thallotoxicosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary

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