Volunteering in paradise

Gates

2020

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a multisystem toxicosis caused by the ingestion of warm water marine species. Dogs and cats are susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aims to describe the syndrome of CFP in dogs and cats and to develop a case definition. Materials and Methods: Six years (March 2011-February 2017) of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. Data relating to exposure history and clinical signs were collected. Results: Two hundred forty-six cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. Fish ingestion was documented in 29% of cases. Reef/lagoon fish and moray eels were most commonly implicated. The toxicosis was characterized by motor dysfunction with a high frequency of ataxia and paresis/paralysis/recumbency. Respiratory and gastrointestinal systems were also affected, especially in canine CFP cases. A multi-tiered case definition and a diagnostic algorithm for CFP in dogs and cats were developed based upon the findings of this study and a review of the existing literature. Conclusion: This case series is the largest study of canine and feline CFP to date. It documents the exposure history of cases and describes in detail clinical signs of the toxicosis. It also proposes a system of case classification that has the potential to both assist the diagnosis of CFP and facilitate future surveillance and research activities.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other signs reported in dogs and cats but rare in human CFP include opisthotonos, tremors, convulsions, nystagmus, and groaning [7,15]. The clinical signs of canine and feline CFP as reported in the literature are summarized in Table -3 [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][17][18][19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Exposure history, clinical signs, and formulation of a case definition

Gates

2020

“…Cases of canine and feline CFP have been described sporadically in literature [1][2][3][4][5][6]. The toxicosis has also been discussed in articles and books [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. There were some early experimental studies conducted [14][15][16][17][18][19], but there have been no objective studies of the condition published since the 1980s.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Demographic, temporal, and spatial distribution of cases

2020

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most common form of seafood toxicosis reported in humans worldwide. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aimed to document the demographics of canine and feline cases of CFP, to examine the temporal and spatial distribution of cases, and to compare the incidence of animal and human CFP in the Cook Islands. Materials and Methods: Six years of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. The study variables included the date of presentation, species, age, sex, neutering status, and village/locality. Results: A total of 246 cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. The sexes were equally represented; however, within each sex, entire animals outnumbered those that had been desexed. Cases occurred year-round, with slightly higher numbers recorded in spring. Annual case numbers trended downward over the study period. Cases were documented in all regions of Rarotonga and also one outer island (Aitutaki). Fewer cases were seen in areas with a narrow (<200 m) fringing lagoon, compared with a wide (>400 m) lagoon. Conclusion: This study documented epidemiologic patterns of canine and feline CFP cases for the first time. Based on the results, further investigation is warranted to establish whether desexing has a protective effect against CFP.

“…Those reported in the literature have included thiamine [ 14 ]; steroids, Vitamin B, and “cardiovascular agents” [ 4 ]; and atropine, calcium, and lignocaine [ 9 ]. However, most of the veterinary case reports attribute patient recovery primarily to nursing care and nutritional support [ 11 , 12 , 16 , 18 ]. The treatment protocol of the Esther Honey Foundation (EHF) Animal Clinic (the site of this study) recommends: Decontamination if possible (with emesis and/or activated charcoal), fluid therapy, nutritional support, muscle relaxants, mannitol, nursing care, and symptomatic medication as indicated (e.g., analgesics and gastrointestinal medications) [ 18 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, last century, both species were used in bioassays and as test subjects for research into CFP [4][5][6][7][8][9]. More recently, there have been case reports [10][11][12][13][14][15], and general articles about the toxicity [16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Objective studies of CFP in dogs and cats are, however, lacking.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A descriptive study of ciguatera fish poisoning in Cook Islands dogs and cats: Treatment and outcome

Gates

2020

Background and Aim: Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is an illness caused by the ingestion of fish containing ciguatoxins. Dogs and cats are susceptible to CFP, but there is little published and much unknown about the condition in these species. This study aimed to document the treatment and outcome of canine and feline cases of CFP, and to look for prognostic indicators. Materials and Methods: Six years of medical records from the Esther Honey Foundation Animal Clinic (the only veterinary clinic in the Cook Islands during the study period) were reviewed to identify cases of CFP. Data relating to treatment and outcome were collected. Results: Two hundred and forty-six cases of CFP were identified, comprising 165 dogs and 81 cats. The treatments most commonly administered to cases were fluid therapy and muscle relaxants. Mannitol was only given to five animals. The survival rate was >90% and almost all mortalities occurred in the first week of hospitalization. Recovery was slow, with hospitalization averaging 12.9 days. There was no significant difference in recovery times between dogs and cats. Prolonged periods of anorexia and recumbency were common in both species. Factors associated with prolonged recovery times included case severity, anorexia, and age (in dogs). Conclusion: This article documented the treatment and outcome of animals afflicted by CFP in the Cook Islands. Therapy for CFP was primarily symptomatic and supportive. The survival rate was high, but recovery was often prolonged. The findings will assist veterinarians in giving prognoses and managing owner expectations.