Acute respiratory distress in the dog associated with paraquat poisoning
Darke, P.G.; Gibbs, C.; Kelly, D.F.; Morgan, D.G.; Pearson, H.; Weaver, B.M.
Veterinary Record 100(14): 275-277
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 860382 Document Number: 120946
An acute respiratory distress syndrome in 10 adult dogs was usually preceded by vomiting, anorexia and lethargy followed, after a short interval, by dyspnoea. The dyspnoea became increasingly severe, despite oxygen therapy, and cyanotic respiratory failure ensued. All 10 dogs died or were killed after illnesses lasting 1-8 days. P.M. examination revealed pulmonary congestion, oedema, collapse and haemorrhage with loss of alveolar epithelial cells. Early alveolar fibrosis was also found. Paraquat was identified in PM samples from four of the 10 dogs.