Intentional Carbofuran poisoning in 7 dogs

Dalma Pivariu,Cristian Martonos,Adrian Gal,Flaviu Tabaran,Adrian-Nechita Oros,Andras-Laszlo Nagy

doi:10.1186/s12917-020-02534-w

Abstract

BackgroundCarbofuran is a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide that, despite strict regulation and being banned for more than a decade, is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning in dogs and wildlife. The objective of the study was to provide a complete and detailed description of the pathological, histological and toxicological findings of 7 cases of intentional carbofuran poisoning in dogs.ResultsIn this retrospective study, 7 cases of carbofuran intoxication recorded from July 2015 to June 2017 were analyzed. Following complete history recording, all cases were examined by complete necropsy and histopathology. Carbofuran intoxication was confirmed in all cases by gas chromatography. The postmortem examination revealed extensive hemorrhaging and congestion located mainly within the respiratory, nervous and cardiovascular systems, accompanied by degeneration and necrosis within the lungs, heart, and kidneys.ConclusionsAlthough carbamates have been banned in the European Union, carbamate poisoning is still frequently encountered, especially in wild animals. This paper will contribute to a better understanding of the occurrence and pathogenesis of acute carbofuran exposure in dogs and contribute some peculiar pathological features of this type of poisoning to the current literature.

Highlights

Carbofuran is a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide that, despite strict regulation and being banned for more than a decade, is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning in dogs and wildlife
We noticed multifocal 3rd-eyelid hemorrhaging associated with diffuse uveal congestion and hyphema (Fig. 1-d, e)
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1997, over 40 organophosphate pesticides and 22 carbamate pesticides were included in the list of 900 pesticides that posed the highest risks to human health and were registered for use in the United States [25]

Summary

Introduction

Carbofuran is a widely used broad-spectrum pesticide that, despite strict regulation and being banned for more than a decade, is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning in dogs and wildlife. Carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7 benzofuranyl methyl carbamate) is one of the most frequently encountered carbamates. It was used in agriculture from the 1970s [1] until it was banned on 31.12.2009 in the USA [2] and 05.12.2011 in Romania by the Law of Chemical Substances nr 254. Carbofuran is available in granular, liquid and powder formulations [5, 6] and was used in this substance was banned almost 10 years ago, our cases show that it is still encountered in cases of intentional poisoning

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Discussion

Conclusion