Animal toxins zootoxins and snake venom toxicity by Shridhar N B

Dr N B Shridhar
Professor and Head,
Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Veterinary College, Shivamogga-577204

1. 11
ZOOTOXINS ZOOTOXINS
Dr N B Shridhar
Professor and Head,
Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology
Veterinary College, Shivamogga-577204
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

2. 22
ZOOTOXINS ZOOTOXINS

Zootoxins Zootoxins
arearethethetoxins toxinsproduced producedbyby
lower lower
animals animals
ee..gg..snakes, snakes,fish, fish,toads, toads,scorpions, scorpions,
bees, bees,wasps, wasps,spider spiderandandticks ticksetcetc..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

3. 33

It is the poison or toxin It is the poison or toxin
secreted by specialized secreted by specialized
glands of an animal. glands of an animal.
Venom Venom
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

4. 44

Venomous Venomousanimals animals::These Thesearearethetheanimals animalsoror
creatures creaturesthatthatarearecapable capableofofproducing producingaa
poison poisonininaahighly highlydeveloped developedsecretary secretarygland gland
ororgroup groupofofcellscellsandanddeliver deliverthethetoxin toxinduring duringaa
stinging stingingororbiting bitingactact
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

5. 55

Venom Venommaymaybebecomposed composedofofproteins proteins
((
polypeptides polypeptidesandandenzymes enzymes
))ofofbothbothhighhighandandlowlow
molecular molecularweight weight..

These Thesemaymaybebeamines, amines,lipids, lipids,steroids, steroids,amino amino
polysaccharides,quinones, polysaccharides,quinones,55--hydroxytryptamine hydroxytryptamine
((55HT), HT),glycosides glycosidesororother othersubstances substances..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

6. 66
Action and toxicity of venom depends on Action and toxicity of venom depends on
::
1.1.
Species Species
of the snake or other venomous animal of the snake or other venomous animal
2.2.
Route Route
of entry into the body of entry into the body
3.3.
Location / site Location / site
of bite or stinging of bite or stinging
4.4.
Quantity Quantity
of the venom injected, of the venom injected,
5.5.
Absorption Absorption
from the site of entry into the body from the site of entry into the body
6.6.
Distribution Distribution
7.7.
Accumulation Accumulation
and action at the receptor site and action at the receptor site
8.8.
Biotransformation Biotransformation
9.9.
Excretion Excretion
10.10.
Species of animal affected Species of animal affected
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

7. 77
SNAKES SNAKES
Snake Snakebitebiteininanimals animalsgenerally generallyoccurs occurswhile while
grazing grazingororhunting hunting..

Most Mostofofthethecases casesofofsnake snakebitebitehavehavebeenbeen
reported reportedinindogs dogsandandhorses, horses,however, however,other other
species speciesofofanimals animalsarearealsoalsoaffected affected..

Snake Snakevenoms venomsarearecomplex complexmixture mixtureofoftoxins toxins--
consisting consistingofof
amino aminoacids, acids,polypeptides polypeptides
,,
glycopeptides glycopeptides
andand
biogenic biogenicamines amines
ininaddition addition
totocertain certaincations cationssuchsuchasasK+,K+,Na+, Na+,CaCa22+,+,
MgMg22++etcetc..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

8. 88

Most Mostactive active
component componentofofthethevenom venomisisaa
peptide peptideororpolypeptide polypeptide
which whichmostly mostlyactsacts
enzymaticall enzymaticall
yyandandatatsome sometimes times
nonnon--enzymatically enzymatically
tootoo..

Generally, Generally,most mostofofthethesnake snakevenoms venomsproduce produce three three
typetypeofoftoxicity toxicityii..ee..neurotoxicity, neurotoxicity,
cardiotoxicity cardiotoxicityandandhaemotoxicity haemotoxicity..

Neurotoxicity Neurotoxicity
isismostly mostlyproduced producedbyby
enzymatic enzymatic
portion portionofofthethevenom venom..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

9. 99

There Therearearemore morethanthan
3500 3500
different differentspecies speciesofof
snakes, snakes,outoutwhich whichmore morethanthan
400400
havehavebeenbeen
found foundtotobebe
poisonous poisonousandanddangdang
erous erous..

Most Mostofofthethepoisonous poisonoussnakes snakeshavehavebeenbeen
classified classifiedinintoto
sixsix
mainmainfamilies families..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

10. 1010
1) Elapidae 1) Elapidae: :
Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mombas. Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mombas.
King Cobra(Ophiophagus hannah)
Thegrandestofallthesnakes,theybuild
nests,protectthem,canreach18feetand
canstandeyetoeyewitha6footman.

Notetheverylargescalesonthe
KingCobra'shead.

Thesesnakesalsofeedalmost
exclusivelyonothersnakes.

HencetheLatinname
Ophiophagus(Snakeeater)They
haveenoughvenomtokillan
elephantin3hours
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

11. 1111
Black Mamba Black Mamba((Dendroaspis Dendroaspispolylepis polylepis))
Black Mamba, one of the most
fearsome animals in the world.
They will defend themselves
very aggressively and they possess a
virulent venom
The common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Theaveragelengthofthissnakeis1.0meters
withamaximumlengthof1.8meters.
Itismoderatelyslender.Hasasmooth.
glossyappearance.
Thecolorvaries.Itcanbeblue-black,palebluish-
gray,
steelblue,brown,uniformlyblack.
Therearepairednarrowwhite,yellow,orgrayish
crossbands.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

12. 1212
2) 2) Crotalidae Crotalidae: Rattle snakes, water moccasins, : Rattle snakes, water moccasins,
copper heads, bush master, pit vipers. copper heads, bush master, pit vipers.
•A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, haemotoxic
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

13. 1313
3) 3) Viperidae Viperidae: The old world vipers and adders. : The old world vipers and adders.
4) 4) Hydrophidae Hydrophidae: The true sea snakes. : The true sea snakes.
5) 5) Laticaudidae Laticaudidae: Sea kraits. : Sea kraits.
6) 6) Colubridae Colubridae: Boom slang, bird snake, red : Boom slang, bird snake, red
necked, keel back snake necked, keel back snake
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

14. 1414
Toxicity due to snake bite generally depends on Toxicity due to snake bite generally depends on::
Toxicity Toxicityof the venom and the quantity of venom of the venom and the quantity of venom
injected. injected.

Ratio of animal Ratio of animalsize and venom injected. size and venom injected.

Species of snake. Species of snake.

Location of bite. Location of bite.

Species of animal involved Species of animal involved. On the basis of body . On the basis of body
weight, weight,
horses are most susceptible horses are most susceptible
, followed by , followed by
sheep > sheep >
cattle > goat > dogs > pig > cats. cattle > goat > dogs > pig > cats.

Prompt availability of the appropriate therapy. Prompt availability of the appropriate therapy.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

15. 1515

Venoms Venomsofofsnakes snakescontain containdifferent differentfractions fractions--
necrotizing, necrotizing,anticoagulant, anticoagulant,coagulant, coagulant,
neurotoxic neurotoxic,,cardio cardiotoxic toxicandandhaemolytic haemolytic
fractions fractions..TheThevenoms venomsofofcobra cobraandandkrait kraitareare
mainly mainly
neurotoxic neurotoxic
while whilethatthatofofvipers vipersandand
rattle rattlesnakes snakesareare
haemotoxic haemotoxic
ininnature nature..

Some Someofofthetheimportant importantenzymes enzymespresent presentininthethe
venoms venomsofofsnakes snakesbelonging belongingtotodifferent different
families familiesareare
proteolytic proteolyticenzymes, enzymes,arginine arginineester ester
hydrolase hydrolase,,thrombine thrombinelikelikeenzymes, enzymes,
collaginase collaginase,,hyaluronidase hyaluronidase,,pphospholipase hospholipaseAA
22
phosphodiaesterases phosphodiaesterasesandandcholinesterases cholinesterasesetcetc..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

16. 1616
Enzyme EnzymeFamilies of poisonous snakes Families of poisonous snakes
Crotalidae CrotalidaeElapidac Hydrophidae Laticaudidac Elapidac Hydrophidae LaticaudidacVipcridae Vipcridae
Proteolytic Proteolytic++++ ++++--/ +/ +--/+ ? /+ ?++++
enzyme enzyme
Arginine ester Arginine ester
hydrolase hydrolase
++
--
+ ? + ?
+ .+ .
Thrombin like Thrombin like++++ +++++ /+ /--+ /+ /--? ? ++++ ++++
enzymes enzymes
Collagenase Collagenase
++
??? ? ? ?
++
Hyaluronidase Hyaluronidase
--
++
+ +
--
--
Phospholipase PhospholipaseA2A2+++ + + +
++
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

17.
Head Head

Pupil Pupil

TailTail
1717 Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

18. 1818
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

19. 1919

Haemotoxins Haemotoxinsofof
pitpitvipers vipers
induce inducelocal localtissue tissuedamage damage
andandinjury injurytotoblood bloodvessels, vessels,change changeininblood bloodcells, cells,
blood bloodcoagulation coagulationdefects defectsandandshock shock..

Cardiopulmonary Cardiopulmonaryfunctions functionsarearealsoalsoadversely adversely
affected affected..

There Thereisishypotensive hypotensivecrisis crisisdueduetoto
acute acuteblood bloodlossloss
dueduetoto
haemolysis haemolysis
..

Rattle Rattlesnake snakebitebiteinincalves calvescauses causesrestlessness, restlessness,teethteeth
grinding, grinding,hypersaiivation hypersaiivation,,dyspnoea dyspnoea,,ataxia ataxiaandand
convulsions convulsions..

Local Localswelling swellingatatthethesitesiteofofbitebiteisisgenerally generally
observed observed..

Animals Animalsgenerally generallydiediewithout withoutanyanyprevious previoushistory historyofof illness illness
..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

20. 2020

Neurotoxins Neurotoxins
ofofcobra cobraandandkrait kraitinduce induce
paralysis paralysisofofcranial cranialnerve nerveofofeyelids eyelids
resulting resulting
intointoptosis ptosis,,paralysis paralysisofofmuscles musclesofofeyeballs eyeballs
andandrespiration respiration..

Neurotoxins Neurotoxinsbindbindspecifically specificallytotocholinergic cholinergic
receptors receptorsatatneuromuscular neuromuscularjunction junctionandand
produce producecurare curarelikelikeeffect effect
andand
respiratory respiratory
paralysis paralysis
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

21. 2121
Clinical signs Clinical signs
Clinical Clinicalsigns signsofofneurotoxins neurotoxinscontaining containingsnake snake
bitebiteareare
salivation salivation
,,hyperexeitability hyperexeitability,,
mydriasis mydriasis,,asphyxia, asphyxia,gasping, gasping,recumbency recumbency,,
convulsions convulsionsandanddeath deathwithin within22--44hours hours..

Regurgitation Regurgitationofofruminal ruminalcontents contents
,,paralysis paralysisofof
tongue, tongue,oesophagus oesophagusandandlarynx larynxisisalsoalso
observed observedinincalves calves..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

22. 2222
Diagnosis Diagnosis
History of sudden death. History of sudden death.

Observing the fang marks. Observing the fang marks.

Local swelling. Local swelling.

Oozing of blood at the site of bite. Oozing of blood at the site of bite.

Cyanosis. Cyanosis.

Identification of the snake in the vicinity. Identification of the snake in the vicinity.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

23. 2323
Differential diagnosis Differential diagnosis
Blackleg. Blackleg.

Anthrax. Anthrax.

NonNon--specific phlegmonous infections. specific phlegmonous infections.

Botulinum. Botulinum.

Myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis.

Tick paralysis. Tick paralysis.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

24. 2424
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

25. 2525 Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

26. 2626
General management of snake bite General management of snake bite

Keep Keepthetheanimal animalundisturbed undisturbed..

ToTorestrict restrictthethefurther furtherabsorption absorptionandanddistribution distributionofof
venom, venom,apply applyaatight tight
tourniquet tourniquet
above abovethethesitesiteofofbitebite..

Incise Incisethethelocal localareaareaofofsnake snakebitebiteininthethedirection directionofof
blood bloodvessel vesselandand
gogoforforsuction suctionandandinfiltrate infiltratethetheareaarea
withwith55%%soapsoapsolution solution..

Inject Injectantivenin, antivenin,antibiotics antibioticsandandantitoxins antitoxins..

IfIfsnake snakehashasnotnotbeenbeenidentified, identified,givegivepolyvalent polyvalent
antivenin antiveninintravenous intravenousandandalsoalsoinfiltrate infiltratethetheantivenin antivenin
locally locallyaround aroundthethesitesiteofofbitebite..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

27. 2727

Polyvalent Polyvalentantianti--snake snakevenom venomtotobebe
administered administeredintravenously intravenously@@1010--2020mlmlperper
animal animaldepending dependingononthetheweight weightofofthethe
animal animalwithwith
caution caution..

Give Givesupportive supportivetreatment treatmentforformanaging managing
shock shockandandcardio cardio--pulmonary pulmonarydisturbances disturbancesbyby
administering administeringcorticosteroids corticosteroids..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

28. 2828
Precautions/contraindications: Precautions/contraindications:
((ii) Do not use potassium permanganate. ) Do not use potassium permanganate.
(ii) Do not give extreme hot or cold (ii) Do not give extreme hot or cold
treatment at the site of bite. treatment at the site of bite.
(iii) Do not put tourniquet in animals poisoned (iii) Do not put tourniquet in animals poisoned
by snakes with venom containing necrotizing by snakes with venom containing necrotizing
factor. factor.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

29. SNAKE ANTIVENOM SNAKE ANTIVENOM

Snake antivenins are a man Snake antivenins are a man--made biological product called made biological product called
antianti--ophidic ophidicserum. serum.
Anivenom Anivenomserum treatment are based on the vaccine process serum treatment are based on the vaccine process
developed by developed by
Louis Pasteur Louis Pasteur
..

Preparation involves Preparation involves
milking milking
usually with the snake striking usually with the snake striking
cloth placed over covered glass jars of snakes at laboratory cloth placed over covered glass jars of snakes at laboratory

This snake venom is then injected in small This snake venom is then injected in small
amounts into amounts into
mammals such as horses, sheep, or rabbits. mammals such as horses, sheep, or rabbits.

These animals have an immune response whereby antibodies These animals have an immune response whereby antibodies
against the venom are generated naturally. against the venom are generated naturally.
The The antivenom antivenomis then is then
harvested harvested
from the blood of the animal, from the blood of the animal,
purified and stored. purified and stored.
2929 Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

30. Milking Milking
of venom from snake of venom from snake
3030 Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

31. 3131
Superstitions/myths on snakes.
90 %
of the snakes are
non poisonous
. 80% of death
in human
beings is due to cardiac arrest, but not due to poisoning.

Snakes keep enimity for 12 years !!!????

Nodding the head…..
Snakes drink milk… ???!!!
Cloacae of poultry will remove the poison…
Drinking snake venom is dangerous….
The person bitten by snake should not sleep…
Chanting and drinking holy water will reduce the
poisoning..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

32. 3232
TOADS TOADS

Dogs and cats may play with toads and get exposed Dogs and cats may play with toads and get exposed
orally to the toxins of toad secreted by the glands in orally to the toxins of toad secreted by the glands in
their skin located above and posterior to the eyes. their skin located above and posterior to the eyes.

Different toad toxins are Different toad toxins are
bufogenins bufogenins
((bufodienolides bufodienolides) ) --
bufotalin bufotalin, , bufotenidin bufotenidin, , bufotenin bufotenin, ,
bufoviridin bufoviridin, serotonin and , serotonin and caiecholamines caiecholamines
. .

Bufogenins Bufogeninsare are cardiotoxic cardiotoxicglycosides and have glycosides and have
effect on the heart and other smooth muscles. effect on the heart and other smooth muscles.

The toxins differ amongst different species of toads. The toxins differ amongst different species of toads.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

33. 3333

Some of the poisonous/toxic species of toads Some of the poisonous/toxic species of toads
are are BufoBufovulgaris vulgaris(Common toad), (Common toad), BufoBufo
marinus marinus, , BufoBuforegular regular and and BufoBufoalvarius alvarius..

Out of these Out of these B. B. alvarius alvarius(River toad) and (River toad) and BufoBufo
marinus marinus(Marine toad) are the most toxic ones. (Marine toad) are the most toxic ones.

((BufoBufovulgaris vulgariscommon toad) common toad)
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

34. 3434
Clinical Clinicalsigns signsofoftoadtoadpoisoning poisoning
Hypersalivation Hypersalivation(some (sometimes timesfoamy), foamy),vomiting vomitingandand
pawing pawingatatthethemouth, mouth,cardiac cardiacirregularities irregularitiessuchsuchasas
cyanosis, cyanosis,weakness, weakness,pulmonary pulmonaryoedema oedema,,
convulsions, convulsions,prostration prostrationandandcollapse collapse..

InIncasecaseofofBB..marinus marinus,,death deathoccurs occurswithin within1515
minutes minuteswhile whileininBB..regularis regularispoisoning poisoningthere thereisis
paralysis paralysisasaswellwellandandthetheanimals animalsgenerally generallydiedie
within within22--66daysdays..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

35. 3535
Diagnosis Diagnosis
History of pet playing with a toad History of pet playing with a toad

Clinical signs. Clinical signs.
Treatment Treatment
No specific treatment No specific treatment
..

Wash the mouth with plenty of water Wash the mouth with plenty of water

Give activated charcoal and osmotic purgatives. Give activated charcoal and osmotic purgatives.

Administer atropine sulfate intravenously to check. Administer atropine sulfate intravenously to check.
excessive salivation and excessive salivation and bronchoconstriction bronchoconstriction. .

Give Give antihistaminics antihistaminics, sedatives or tranquilizers. , sedatives or tranquilizers.

Administer corticosteroids. Administer corticosteroids.

Administer Administer cardioprotective cardioprotectiveagents. agents.

Give Give propranolol propranolol(0.2 mg/kg) to control cardiac (0.2 mg/kg) to control cardiac arrythmias arrythmias
and myocardial fibrillation. and myocardial fibrillation.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

36. 3636
BEES, SCORPIONS AND WASPS BEES, SCORPIONS AND WASPS

Venom Venomofofbees, bees,scorpion scorpionandandwasps waspsisisaacomplex complex
mixture mixtureofof
peptides peptides
,,
nonnon--enzymatic enzymaticproteins proteins
suchsuchasas
apamin apamin,,melittin melittinororkinins kinins
,,

Enzymes Enzymessuchsuchasas
phospholipase phospholipaseAAandandBB
,,
hyaluronidase hyaluronidase,,formic formicacidacid
andandbiologically biologicallyactive active
amines, amines,suchsuchasas
histamine histamineandand55--HTHT
etcetc..

Melittin Melittinis a protein mainly found in honey bees is a protein mainly found in honey bees
and and
is antigenic in nature and produces allergic reactions is antigenic in nature and produces allergic reactions
mainly in human beings and horses. mainly in human beings and horses.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

37. 3737

Scorpion Wasp Scorpion Wasp
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

38. 3838

Severity Severityofoftoxicity toxicityvaries variesfromfromindividual individualtoto
individual individualinindifferent differentspecies speciesofofanimals animals..

Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxisandanddeath deathfromfromaasingle singlestingsting
occurs occursininhypersensitive hypersensitiveanimals animals..
However, However,ininothers, others,onlyonlymildmildtotomoderate moderate
inflammation inflammationandandpainful painfulswelling swellingisisobserved observed..

Following Followingsingle singleinsect insectbite, bite,there thereisisextreme extreme
serous serousexudation exudation..

ThisThisaccumulated accumulatedfluidfluidexerts exertsprotective protectiveeffect effect
bybydiluting dilutingthethepoison, poison,exerts exertslocal localpressure pressureonon
thethecirculation circulation

Thus Thusreducing reducingthethedissemination disseminationofofpoison poison..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

39. 3939

InIn
multiple multiplebeebee
oror
wasp waspstings stings
,,there thereisissevere severe
local localinflammation inflammationandand
oedema oedema
atatthethesitesiteofof
sting, sting,intense intensepainpainandandpronounced pronouncedexcitement excitement..

InInsevere severecases casesininhorses, horses,there theremaymaybebe
diarrhoea,methaemoglobinemia diarrhoea,methaemoglobinemia,,bilirubinemia bilirubinemia,,
jaundice, jaundice,haemoglobinuria haemoglobinuria,,tachycardia, tachycardia,
dyspnoea dyspnoeaandandfollowed followedbybydeath, death,though thoughinin
rarerarecases cases
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

40. 4040
Treatment Treatment
NoNospecific specificantidote antidoteisisavailable available..

Only Onlysymptomatic symptomatictreatment treatmentneedneedtotobebegiven given..

Local Localapplication applicationofofweak weaksolution solutionofof
ammonia ammonia
andand
sodium sodiumbicarbonate bicarbonate..

Nervine Nervinetonics tonicsandandstimulants, stimulants,ififthere thereisisprostration prostration..

Tracheotomy, Tracheotomy,ififasphyxia asphyxiaisissevere severe..

Emergency Emergencysupportive supportivetherapy therapyforforrestoration restorationofof
cardiopulmonary cardiopulmonaryfunctions functionsandandmanagement managementofof
anaphylaxis anaphylaxis
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

41. 4141
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

42. 4242
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

43. 4343
SPIDERS SPIDERS

Numerous species of spiders have been Numerous species of spiders have been
implicated in bites of human beings. implicated in bites of human beings.
Black widow spider Black widow spider
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

44. 4444

Brown Brownwidow widowspider spider

RedRedlegged leggedspiders spiders

Brown Brownrecluse reclusespider spider

Desert Desertviolin violinspider spider

Arizona Arizonaviolin violinspider spider

Cobweb Cobwebspiders spiders

Jumping Jumpingspiders spiders

Running Runningspiders spiders

InInanimals animals
Black Blackwidow widowspider spider
((Latroclectus Latroclectus
maclans maclans))hashasbeenbeenmainly mainlyfound foundtotobitebitedogs dogs
andandcatscats..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

45. 4545
Clinical signs: Clinical signs:

Intense pain at the sting site. Intense pain at the sting site.

On pressing, jelly like edematous swelling On pressing, jelly like edematous swelling
around the bite around the bite

Whole integument is painful and Whole integument is painful and
hypersensitive to pressure hypersensitive to pressure

Cramping spasms of abdominal muscles Cramping spasms of abdominal muscles

Nervous excitement due to reflex contraction Nervous excitement due to reflex contraction
of muscles of muscles

Rigidity of abdominal muscles Rigidity of abdominal muscles

Vomition Vomition
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

46. 4646

Loss Lossofofappetite, appetite,weakness, weakness,dyspnoea dyspnoeaandand
hypertension hypertension..

Paralysis Paralysisoccurs occursininacute acutecases casesandanddeath deathinin
44--
66hours hours
dueduetotoparalysis paralysisofofrespiratory respiratorymuscles, muscles,
butbutininmildmildcases casesititmaymaytaketakedaysdays..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

47. 4747

TheThevenom venomofof
brown brownrecluse reclusespider spider
((Loxosceles Loxoscelesreclusa reclusa))isisrichrichinin
hyaluronidase hyaluronidase
,,
proteases proteasesandandother otherspreading spreadingfactors factorsandand
haemolysins haemolysins..

The toxin probably damages endothelial cell The toxin probably damages endothelial cell
membranes. membranes.

The The
toxin is known to cause local swelling toxin is known to cause local swelling
, ,
vascular thrombosis vascular thrombosis
and and
necrosis necrosis
..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

48. 4848

Venom Venomofofthisthisspider, spider,
alpha alphalatrotoxin latrotoxin
,,isisaa
potent potentandandlabile labile
neurotoxin neurotoxin
which whichaffects affects
neuromuscular neuromuscularjunctions junctions

Binds Bindstoto
calcium calciumchannels channels
andandincreases increasesthethe
membranes membranespermeability permeabilitytotocalcium calciumionsionsandand
enhances enhancesdepolarization depolarization
..

ItItisisalsoalsoknown knowntotohavehaveaa
highhighcontent content
ofof
isoleucine isoleucineandandleucine leucine
andandlowlowofoftyrosine tyrosineinin
addition additiontotolipoproteins lipoproteinsandandhyaluronidase hyaluronidase..

Spider Spidervenom venomisis
1010--1515times timesmore morepotent potentthanthan
rattle rattlesnakes snakes..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

49. 4949
Post mortem lesions Post mortem lesions
: :
PostPost--mortem lesions are not specific except for mortem lesions are not specific except for
venous congestion. venous congestion.
Treatment: Treatment:
NoNospecific specifictreatment treatmentisisavailable, available,however, however,ifif
available, available,specific specificantivenin antiveninmaymaybebeinjected injected..

Symptomatic Symptomatictreatment treatmentneeds needstotobebegiven given..

Give Givecalcium calciumgluconate gluconate,,sodium sodiumpentobarbitone pentobarbitone
andandmuscle musclerelaxants relaxantsintravenously intravenously..

Administer Administerantihistaminics antihistaminics,,intravenous intravenousfluids, fluids,
respiratory respiratorystimulants, stimulants,corticosteroids corticosteroidsandandatropine atropine
sulfate sulfate..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

50. 5050
TICKS (TICK TOXINS) TICKS (TICK TOXINS)

Ticks Ticksareareimportant importantasasvectors vectorsofofmany many
diseases diseasesandandanaemia anaemia..

DoDonotnotposeposeanyanyimmediate immediateororserious seriouseffects effects
upon uponthethehosthostexcept exceptwhen whenpresent presentininlarge large
numbers numbersononaaparticular particularsitesite..

In addition, ticks are involved in venom In addition, ticks are involved in venom
poisonings. poisonings.

Tick paralysis is a paralytic disease in dogs, Tick paralysis is a paralytic disease in dogs,
cattle, sheep and bison. cattle, sheep and bison.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

51. 5151

When one or more When one or more Dermacentor Dermacentorandersonii andersonii
((
wood ticks wood ticks
) are attached to skin, produce ) are attached to skin, produce
paralytic symptoms which disappear when paralytic symptoms which disappear when
offending ticks are removed. offending ticks are removed.

However, may result in death of animals if However, may result in death of animals if
ticks are not removed. Symptoms of toxicity ticks are not removed. Symptoms of toxicity
are due to a are due to a neuroparalytic neuroparalytictoxin of ticks toxin of ticks
Dermacentor andersonii Dermacentor andersonii
Ixodes holocyclus Ixodes holocyclus
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

52. 5252

Ixodes Ixodesholocyclus holocyclusis another tick which causes tick is another tick which causes tick
paralysis in sheep and cattle. Cats are comparatively paralysis in sheep and cattle. Cats are comparatively
more resistant. more resistant.

Similarly, Similarly, Amblyomma Amblyommasp. and sp. and Ornithodorus Ornithodorussp. also sp. also
cause tick paralysis. cause tick paralysis.

Clinical Clinicalsigns signsofofticktickparalysis paralysis

Violent Violentretching retching(vomition (vomitionreflex), reflex),anorexia, anorexia,
lethargy, lethargy,
drooling droolingofofsaliva saliva
,,muscle muscleweakness, weakness,inin--
coordination, coordination,extensive extensivedehydration dehydrationandandcomplete complete
ascending ascendingflaccid flaccidparalysis paralysis..

TheThesequence sequenceofofparalysis paralysisisis::
HindHindlimbs, limbs,foreforelimbs, limbs,
chest chestmuscles muscles;;respiration respirationisisaffeaffe
ctedcteddueduetotoparalysis paralysis
ofofrespiratory respiratorymuscles musclesincluding includingdiaphragm diaphragm..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

53. 5353

All limb and eye touch reflexes are absent, pupils dilate All limb and eye touch reflexes are absent, pupils dilate
widely and death occurs due to respiratory paralysis in widely and death occurs due to respiratory paralysis in
calves and yearlings. calves and yearlings.

Vomiting, loss of voice and secondary aspirator/ Vomiting, loss of voice and secondary aspirator/
pneumonia are observed in dogs. pneumonia are observed in dogs.
The toxins are secreted by salivary glands of The toxins are secreted by salivary glands of
female female
ticks. ticks.

Dogs are most commonly affected but losses also occur Dogs are most commonly affected but losses also occur
in lambs, calves, goats, foals and children. in lambs, calves, goats, foals and children.
Severity Severityofofparalysis paralysisisisindependent independentofofthethenumber numberofof
ticksticksinvolved, involved,susceptible susceptibleanimals animalsmaymaybebeaffected affected
seriously seriouslybybyaafewfewticks ticks..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

54. 5454

TheThetoxin toxincauses causesparalysis paralysisofofskeletal skeletalmuscles muscles
bybyinterfering interferingwithwiththethe
release releaseororsynthesis synthesisofof
acetylcholine acetylcholine
atatthethemotor motorendendplates platesofofmuscle muscle
fibers fibers..

Four Fourtototentenadult adultfemale female
Ixodes Ixodesholocyclus holocyclus
ticks ticksproduce produceparalysis paralysiswithin within66--1313daysdaysofof
infestation infestation..

However, However,3535--150150ticks ticksofofDermacentor Dermacentor
andersonii andersoniiattached attachedforfor55--88daysdaysproduce produce
paralysis paralysisandandcomplete completerecovery recoverytakes takesplace place
within within2424hours hoursafter afterremoval removalofofticks ticks..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

55. 5555
Treatment: Treatment:

No specific treatment or the antidote is No specific treatment or the antidote is
available. available.

ii))Administer Administer hyperimmune hyperimmuneserum in dogs. serum in dogs.

ii) Remove the ticks either manually or by ii) Remove the ticks either manually or by
making use of making use of acaricides acaricides..
Control : Control :

Eradicate the ticks from the animals and the Eradicate the ticks from the animals and the
premises by periodic use of effective premises by periodic use of effective
acaricides acaricides..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

56. 5656
FISH (ICHTHYOTOXINS) FISH (ICHTHYOTOXINS)

FishFishisisthetheprinciple principlesource sourceofofproteins proteinsforforinhabitants inhabitants
ofofthethecoastal coastalareas areasandandalsoalsothetheanimals animalsandandbirds birdsinin
thetheformformoffish offishmeal mealinintheir theirfeedfeed..

FishFishpoisoning poisoningisisoften oftenobserved observedinincarnivores carnivores((
Dogs, Dogs,
catscatsandandsome somewildwildanimals) animals)
andandhuman humanbeings beings..

World Worldoveroverabout about
125125pp
eople eopleareareestimated estimatedtotodiedieofof
puffer pufferfishfish
poisoning poisoningperper

Dogs Dogsandandcertain certainanimals animalsandandbirds birdsbeing beingfedfedfishfishoror
fishfishmeal mealinintheirtheirfeed, feed,respectively, respectively,maymayatattimes timesbebe
poisoned poisoned..
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

57. 5757

Toxins Toxins by fish itself by fish itself
marine plankton marine plankton
algae consumed by the fish. algae consumed by the fish.

Fishes may contain a toxin in their musculature, Fishes may contain a toxin in their musculature,
viscera or skin or fish produce toxin that is viscera or skin or fish produce toxin that is
related to their gonads or fishes have a toxin in related to their gonads or fishes have a toxin in
their blood. their blood.

About 700 different species of marine fishes are About 700 different species of marine fishes are
known to be toxic known to be toxic
. .

However, some are extremely potent and highly However, some are extremely potent and highly
toxic. toxic.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

58. 5858

Some Someofofthethepoisonous poisonousfishes fishesareare
Shell Shellfishfish
,,
Puffer Pufferfishfish
,,
Sting Stingfishfish
,,
Scombroid Scombroidfishfish
,,
Ciguatera Ciguatera
andandMoray Morayeeleeletcetc..
Sting fish Sting fish
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

59. 5959
Shell fish Shell fish Toxin Toxin
: :
Saxitoxin Saxitoxin
MOA MOA
: :
Inhibits inward current of Na
+
across the axonal membrane
Clinical Clinicalsigns signs
::
Burningsensationinlipsandgums,tongue,faceand
numbnessoftheseparts,paininjoints,difficultyin
movement,thirst,progressivegeneralizedparalysisanddeath
duetorespiratoryfailure
..
. .
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

60. 6060
Puffer fish ( Fugu fish )
:
Toxin:
Tetrodotoxin.
MOA:
Alters neuronal mem-brane permeability to Na
+
and K
+
Clinical signs:
Rapid onset of weakness, dizziness, paresthesia
around lips, tongue and throat, increased salivation,
diaphoresis, hypotension, bradycardia, intense cyanosis,
dyspnoea, epigastric pain, ataxia and flaccid paralysis
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

61. 6161
Moray eel Moray eel Toxin Toxin
: : Ciguatoxin
MOA
: Increases neuronal mem-brane permeability to Na"
and causing depolarization of nerves
+
anticholinesterase
activity.
Clinical signs
: Tingling of lips, tongue and throat, numbness of
these parts, nausea, vomition, abdominal pain, diarrhoea,
pruritis, bradycardia, pain in joints and muscles, paresis and
temporary blindness.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

62. 6262

Certain fish toxins are very potent e.g. the Certain fish toxins are very potent e.g. the
intraperitoneal intraperitonealLDLD
5050
value of value of tetrodotoxin tetrodotoxinin in
mice is 8 mice is 8 µµg/kg. g/kg.

The lethal dose of The lethal dose of saxitoxin saxitoxinin human beings is in human beings is
approximately 4 mg. approximately 4 mg.
Treatment Treatment
No specific antidote No specific antidote

Symptomatic treatment is indicated. Symptomatic treatment is indicated.
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar

63. 6363
Dr N B Shridhar Dr N B Shridhar