Lead-poisoning in Children

Acute lead intoxication in a pregnant mare : clinical communication

“…Animals have been poisoned by ingestion of lead-based paints 8,9,14,17,20 , putty 9,14,20 , greases 1 4 , 2 0 , linoleum 9 , 1 4 , 1 7 , 2 0 , leaded petrol 9,14,20 , used motor oil 9,14,20 , golf balls 9 , solder 14,20 , lead shot 9,14 , roofing materials 14,20 , asphalt 14,18 , industrial effluents 14,20 , discarded motor vehicle batteries 8,14,20 , lead arsenate pesticides 9 , water from lead plumbing 14,20 and forage contamination near lead smelters 2,5,7,8,10,13,14,15,20 . In horses, Pb poisoning is most often associated with contamination of water and forage due to nearby mining and smelting operations 5,7 . Owing to the selective eating habits of horses, as well as their relative resistance to acute poisoning 9 , horses are more likely to present with chronic lead intoxication 5 .…”

“…Seizures may occur terminally 9,11,12,20 . Colic and diarrhoea present uncommonly 5,12,20 while foals may develop swollen, stiff joints 5,7,8 . Pulmonary oedema and haemorrhage have been observed sometimes in association with bilateral laryngeal paralysis 1,9 .…”

“…Pulmonary oedema and haemorrhage have been observed sometimes in association with bilateral laryngeal paralysis 1,9 . Historically, central nervous system derangement with convulsions and excitation is not often seen in adult horses 5 . This report details a case of Pb intoxication with acute, severe, progressive cerebral dysfunction.…”

“…Historically, Pb has been one of the most common toxicants encountered in veterinary practice 4,5,9,18,20 . Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, household pets, waterfowl and raptors are some species that have been poisoned 12 .…”

“…Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, household pets, waterfowl and raptors are some species that have been poisoned 12 . Lead intoxication (also known as plumbism) in horses is usually a chronic phenomenon with clinical signs associated with peripheral nerve dysfunction 5,8,12,13,20 . Clinical signs reported in horses may include: anorexia 5,6,9,15,20 , weakness 5,15,20 , ataxia 1,5 , incoordination 6,7,9,15,20 , depression 5,6,8,12,15,20 , weight loss 1,5,6,8,9,12,15,20 , hyperaesthesia 8 , exercise intolerance 5,7 , roaring or stridor 5,8,9,12,13,15 , laryngeal and pharyngeal paresis 1,5,12,13,15,…”