Thiamin as treatment of lead poisoning in ruminants
Bratton, G.R.; Zmudzki, J.; Kincaid, N.; Joyce, J.
Modern Veterinary Practice 62(6): 441-446
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0362-8140 PMID: 6789138 Document Number: 179471
Groups of 5 calves (5-6 weeks old) were given lead acetate (5 mg/kg) by mouth for 20 days with or without thiamine (100 mg s/c) immediately after Pb dosing. In the Pb only group, 4 calves showed signs of Pb poisoning and 2 died (days 7 and 9). None of the thiamine treated group died or showed signs of poisoning. Blood Pb was increased in both groups but wide variation between animals masked any difference between groups. Blood aminolaevulinate dehydratase activity was reduced to 27% and 33% of normal in Pb only and thiamine treated groups respectively. Pb concentrations in kidney, liver, bone, brain cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus were lower in the thiamine treated than the Pb only group. The use of thiamine in the treatment of Pb poisoning is discussed.