Lead poisoning in captive birds of prey
MacDonald, J.W.; Randall, C.J.; Ross, H.M.; Moon, G.M.; Ruthven, A.D.
Veterinary Record 113(3): 65-66
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 6612972 Document Number: 219755
Clinical data and lead residues in liver and kidney are tabulated for seven captive birds of prey that died from lead poisoning. The poisoning arose through feeding on shot pigeons and hares or lead-contaminated trimmings from shot deer, and use of a lead pipe as a perch. The clinical symptoms ranged from fits or convulsions to imbalance. No characteristic PM lesions were seen. Lead pellets were found in the folds of the gastric mucosa in two birds. Histological examination of the kidneys revealed acid-fast intranuclear inclusions in the proximal convoluted tubules of only two birds. Lead residues ranged from 35.7 to 204 mg/kg dry matter in liver and from 31.2 to 221 in kidney.