Diagnosis and therapy of neurotoxicological syndromes in animals Suggested citation for this article: Goran GV. Diagnosis and therapy of neurotoxicological syndromes in animals. Practica Veterinară.ro. 2022;36(2):12-21

Abstract

Neurotoxicity is the direct or indirect effect of chemicals that disrupt the nervous system of humans or animals. Neurotoxic substances act by altering the ability of the central nervous system (CNS) to generate and/or transmit excitation to the peripheric nervous system by affecting the ability to synthesize neurotransmitters and the normal functioning of its own fundamental structural components (neurons, nerves, glial cells and synapses). The most important diagnostic coordinates in intoxications are represented by the sudden onset of clinical signs, their compatibility and in particular, the source of exposure or access to toxicants/toxins. The therapeutic management in neurotoxicoses refers to the stabilization of the animal, toxicological decontamination, antidote, stimulation of toxic excretion, to which is added the symptomatic treatment. In general, neurotoxicoses are associated with either CNS depression, coma or paralysis, or CNS stimulation or seizures, but unfortunately not even a small portion of the potentially neurotoxic compounds that exist can be adequately addressed in a single presentation.