The incidence and seasonal characteristics of veterinary toxicoses in Saskatchewan

Abstract

The species incidence and seasonal occurrence of veterinary toxicoses identified in the diagnostic toxicology laboratory at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine were tabulated during the period from 1968 to 1982. A toxicological diagnosis was indicated in 990 animals during this period of time. Lead (340 cases) and strychnine (284 cases) poisoning were the predominant toxicoses encountered. Other metal, pesticide and feed-related toxicoses were reported at a much lower incidence. A statistically significant seasonal incidence of toxicity was seen with lead, chlorinated hydrocarbon and strychnine poisoning. Strychnine (261/284 cases) and metaldehyde (12/12 cases) poisoning were seen primarily in the canine. In the bovine, a high degree of species specificity was associated with lead (294/340 cases), dicoumarol (36/36 cases) and nitrite (8/10 cases) poisoning. Copper toxicity was primarily a problem in the ovine (21/24 cases). The species specificity reflects in many instances species-specific husbandry practices, local agricultural methods or biochemical and physiological differences between species.