Changes

Also known as: '''''Plumbism — Saturnism'''''

Also known as: '''''Plumbism — Saturnism'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Lead poisoning is a condition caused by increased levels of lead in the body and is most common in dogs and cattle. It can also occur in birds, but disease in other animals is limited by reduced accessibility, selective eating habits or lower susceptibility.

Lead poisoning is a condition caused by increased levels of lead in the body and is most common in dogs and cattle. It can also occur in birds and chelonia, but disease in other animals is limited by reduced accessibility, selective eating habits or lower susceptibility.

Lead poisoning usually occurs following ingestion of '''paint, lead weights, lead shot and used oil and batteries'''.

Lead poisoning usually occurs following ingestion of '''paint, lead weights, lead shot and used oil and batteries'''.

'''Post mortem''' examination may reveal evidence of gastroenteritis. In the nervous system, oedema and congestion of the cerebral cortex and flattening of the cortical gyri are present. Histologically, endothelial swelling, laminar cortical necrosis, and oedema of the white matter may be evident. There is also tubular necrosis and degeneration in the kidneys.

'''Post mortem''' examination may reveal evidence of gastroenteritis. In the nervous system, oedema and congestion of the cerebral cortex and flattening of the cortical gyri are present. Histologically, endothelial swelling, laminar cortical necrosis, and oedema of the white matter may be evident. There is also tubular necrosis and degeneration in the kidneys.

'''Radiographs''' may be useful to reveal metal particles in the gastrointestinal tract.

'''Radiographs''' may be useful to reveal metal particles in the gastrointestinal tract. They are particularly recommended in birds where metal particles within the [[ventriculus]] should not be confused with grit.

Other diseases may '''mimic''' the clinical signs of lead poisoning and in cattle, polioencephalomalacia, nervous coccidiosis, [[tetanus]], [[hypovitaminosis A]], [[Hypomagnesaemia|hypomagnesemic tetany]], nervous [[Ketosis of Cattle|acetonemia]], arsenic or mercury poisoning, brain abscess or neoplasia, [[rabies]], [[listeriosis]], and [[Category:Haemophilus species|''Haemophilus'']] infections should be considered.

Other diseases may '''mimic''' the clinical signs of lead poisoning and in cattle, polioencephalomalacia, nervous coccidiosis, [[tetanus]], [[hypovitaminosis A]], [[Hypomagnesaemia|hypomagnesemic tetany]], nervous [[Ketosis of Cattle|acetonemia]], arsenic or mercury poisoning, brain abscess or neoplasia, [[rabies]], [[listeriosis]], and [[:Category:Haemophilus species|''Haemophilus'']] infections should be considered.

In dogs, rabies, [[distemper]], and [[Infectious Canine Hepatitis|hepatitis]] may appear similar to lead poisoning.  

In dogs, rabies, [[distemper]], and [[Infectious Canine Hepatitis|hepatitis]] may appear similar to lead poisoning.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Chelation therapy, in combination with '''antioxidant treatment''', may limit oxidative damage associated with acute lead poisoning. Antioxidants such as n-acetylcysteine have been used in combination with DMSA.

Chelation therapy, in combination with '''antioxidant treatment''', may limit oxidative damage associated with acute lead poisoning. Antioxidants such as n-acetylcysteine have been used in combination with DMSA.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Avian Medicine Q&A 25]]

|flashcards = [[Avian Medicine Q&A 25]]<br>[[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 05]]<br>[[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 07]]<br>[[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 13]]

[[Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 05]]

}}

}}

==References==

==References==

Kahn, C. (2005) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' 9th Edition ''Merck and Co''

Kahn, C. (2005) '''Merck Veterinary Manual''' 9th Edition ''Merck and Co''

{{review}}

{{review}}

[[Category:Bones - Metabolic Pathology]]

[[Category:Bones - Metabolic Pathology]]

[[Category:Toxicology]]

[[Category:Toxicology]]

[[Category:Expert Review]]

[[Category:Expert Review]]