Zootoxins are toxins produced by lower animals such as snakes, fish, toads, scorpions, bees, wasps, spiders and ticks. Venom is the poison or toxin secreted by specialized glands of an animal. Venomous animals are capable of producing a poison in a highly developed secretory gland or group of cells and deliver the toxin during a stinging or biting act. Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxins consisting of amino acids, polypeptides, glycopeptides and biogenic amines. Toxicity due to snake bite depends on the species of snake, route of entry, location of bite, quantity of venom injected, and species of animal affected. Common treatments for snake

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

2. 22
ZOOTOXINSZOOTOXINS
ZootoxinsZootoxins areare thethe toxinstoxins producedproduced byby lowerlower
animalsanimals ee..gg.. snakes,snakes, fish,fish, toads,toads, scorpions,scorpions,
bees,bees, wasps,wasps, spiderspider andand ticksticks etcetc..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

3. 33
It is the poison or toxinIt is the poison or toxin
secreted by specializedsecreted by specialized
glands of an animal.glands of an animal.
VenomVenom
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

4. 44
VenomousVenomous animalsanimals :: TheseThese areare thethe animalsanimals oror
creaturescreatures thatthat areare capablecapable ofof producingproducing aa
poisonpoison inin aa highlyhighly developeddeveloped secretarysecretary glandgland
oror groupgroup ofof cellscells andand deliverdeliver thethe toxintoxin duringduring aa
stingingstinging oror bitingbiting actact
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

5. 55
VenomVenom maymay bebe composedcomposed ofof proteinsproteins
((polypeptidespolypeptides andand enzymesenzymes)) ofof bothboth highhigh andand lowlow
molecularmolecular weightweight..
TheseThese maymay bebe amines,amines, lipids,lipids, steroids,steroids, aminoamino
polysaccharides,quinones,polysaccharides,quinones,55--hydroxytryptaminehydroxytryptamine
((55 HT),HT), glycosidesglycosides oror otherother substancessubstances..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

6. 66
Action and toxicity of venom depends onAction and toxicity of venom depends on ::
1.1. SpeciesSpecies of the snake or other venomous animalof the snake or other venomous animal
2.2. RouteRoute of entry into the bodyof entry into the body
3.3. Location / siteLocation / site of bite or stingingof bite or stinging
4.4. QuantityQuantity of the venom injected,of the venom injected,
5.5. AbsorptionAbsorption from the site of entry into the bodyfrom the site of entry into the body
6.6. DistributionDistribution
7.7. AccumulationAccumulation and action at the receptor siteand action at the receptor site
8.8. BiotransformationBiotransformation
9.9. ExcretionExcretion
10.10. Species of animal affectedSpecies of animal affected
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

7. 77
SNAKESSNAKES
SnakeSnake bitebite inin animalsanimals generallygenerally occursoccurs whilewhile
grazinggrazing oror huntinghunting..
MostMost ofof thethe casescases ofof snakesnake bitebite havehave beenbeen
reportedreported inin dogsdogs andand horses,horses, however,however, otherother
speciesspecies ofof animalsanimals areare alsoalso affectedaffected..
SnakeSnake venomsvenoms areare complexcomplex mixturemixture ofof toxinstoxins--
consistingconsisting ofof aminoamino acids,acids, polypeptidespolypeptides,,
glycopeptidesglycopeptides andand biogenicbiogenic aminesamines inin additionaddition
toto certaincertain cationscations suchsuch asas K+,K+, Na+,Na+, CaCa22+,+,
MgMg22++ etcetc..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

8. 88
MostMost activeactive componentcomponent ofof thethe venomvenom isis aa
peptidepeptide oror polypeptidepolypeptide whichwhich mostlymostly actsacts
enzymaticallenzymaticallyy andand atat somesome timestimes
nonnon--enzymaticallyenzymatically tootoo..
Generally,Generally, mostmost ofof thethe snakesnake venomsvenoms produceproduce
threethree typetype ofof toxicitytoxicity ii..ee.. neurotoxicity,neurotoxicity,
cardiotoxicitycardiotoxicity andand haemotoxicityhaemotoxicity..
NeurotoxicityNeurotoxicity isis mostlymostly producedproduced byby
enzymaticenzymatic portionportion ofof thethe venomvenom..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

9. 99
ThereThere areare moremore thanthan 35003500 differentdifferent speciesspecies ofof
snakes,snakes, outout whichwhich moremore thanthan 400400 havehave beenbeen
foundfound toto bebe poisonouspoisonous andand dangdangerouserous..
MostMost ofof thethe poisonouspoisonous snakessnakes havehave beenbeen
classifiedclassified inin toto sixsix mainmain familiesfamilies..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

10. 1010
1) Elapidae1) Elapidae:: Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mombas.Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mombas.
King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
The grandest of all the snakes, they build
nests, protect them, can reach 18 feet and
can stand eye to eye with a 6 foot man.
Note the very large scales on the
King Cobra's head.
These snakes also feed almost
exclusively on other snakes.
Hence the Latin name
Ophiophagus (Snake eater) They
have enough venom to kill an
elephant in 3 hours
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

11. 1111
Black MambaBlack Mamba ((DendroaspisDendroaspis polylepispolylepis ))
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)
The average length of this snake is 1.0 meters
with a maximum length of 1.8 meters.
It is moderately slender. Has a smooth.
glossy appearance.
The color varies. It can be blue-black, pale bluish-
gray, steel blue, brown, uniformly black.
There are paired narrow white, yellow, or grayish
crossbands.
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

12. 1212
2)2) CrotalidaeCrotalidae: 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

13. 1313
3)3) ViperidaeViperidae : The old world vipers and adders.: The old world vipers and adders.
4)4) HydrophidaeHydrophidae: The true sea snakes.: The true sea snakes.
5)5) LaticaudidaeLaticaudidae: Sea kraits.: Sea kraits.
6)6) ColubridaeColubridae: Boom slang, bird snake, red: Boom slang, bird snake, red
necked, keel back snakenecked, keel back snake
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

14. 1414
Toxicity due to snake bite generally depends onToxicity due to snake bite generally depends on ::
ToxicityToxicity of the venom and the quantity of venomof the venom and the quantity of venom
injected.injected.
Ratio of animalRatio of animal size and venom injected.size and venom injected.
Species of snake.Species of snake.
Location of bite.Location of bite.
Species of animal involvedSpecies of animal involved. On the basis of body. On the basis of body
weight,weight, horses are most susceptiblehorses 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

15. 1515
VenomsVenoms ofof snakessnakes containcontain differentdifferent fractionsfractions --
necrotizing,necrotizing, anticoagulant,anticoagulant, coagulant,coagulant,
neurotoxicneurotoxic,, cardiocardio toxictoxic andand haemolytichaemolytic
fractionsfractions.. TheThe venomsvenoms ofof cobracobra andand kraitkrait areare
mainlymainly neurotoxicneurotoxic whilewhile thatthat ofof vipersvipers andand
rattlerattle snakessnakes areare haemotoxichaemotoxic inin naturenature..
SomeSome ofof thethe importantimportant enzymesenzymes presentpresent inin thethe
venomsvenoms ofof snakessnakes belongingbelonging toto differentdifferent
familiesfamilies areare proteolyticproteolytic enzymes,enzymes, argininearginine esterester
hydrolasehydrolase,, thrombinethrombine likelike enzymes,enzymes,
collaginasecollaginase,, hyaluronidasehyaluronidase,, pphospholipasehospholipase AA22
phosphodiaesterasesphosphodiaesterases andand cholinesterasescholinesterases etcetc..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

16. 1616
EnzymeEnzyme Families of poisonous snakesFamilies of poisonous snakes
CrotalidaeCrotalidae Elapidac Hydrophidae LaticaudidacElapidac Hydrophidae Laticaudidac VipcridaeVipcridae
ProteolyticProteolytic ++++++++ --/ +/ + --/+ ?/+ ? ++++
enzymeenzyme
Arginine esterArginine ester
hydrolasehydrolase
++ -- + ?+ ? + .+ .
Thrombin likeThrombin like ++++++++ + /+ /-- + /+ /-- ?? ++++++++
enzymesenzymes
CollagenaseCollagenase ++ ?? ? ?? ? ++
HyaluronidaseHyaluronidase -- ++ ++ --
--
PhospholipasePhospholipase A2A2 ++ + ++ + ++
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

17. HeadHead
PupilPupil
TailTail
1717Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

18. 1818Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

19. 1919
HaemotoxinsHaemotoxins ofof pitpit vipersvipers induceinduce locallocal tissuetissue damagedamage
andand injuryinjury toto bloodblood vessels,vessels, changechange inin bloodblood cells,cells,
bloodblood coagulationcoagulation defectsdefects andand shockshock..
CardiopulmonaryCardiopulmonary functionsfunctions areare alsoalso adverselyadversely
affectedaffected..
ThereThere isis hypotensivehypotensive crisiscrisis duedue toto acuteacute bloodblood lossloss
duedue toto haemolysishaemolysis..
RattleRattle snakesnake bitebite inin calvescalves causescauses restlessness,restlessness, teethteeth
grinding,grinding, hypersaiivationhypersaiivation,, dyspnoeadyspnoea,, ataxiaataxia andand
convulsionsconvulsions..
LocalLocal swellingswelling atat thethe sitesite ofof bitebite isis generallygenerally
observedobserved..
AnimalsAnimals generallygenerally diedie withoutwithout anyany previousprevious historyhistory ofof
illnessillness..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

20. 2020
NeurotoxinsNeurotoxins ofof cobracobra andand kraitkrait induceinduce
paralysisparalysis ofof cranialcranial nervenerve ofof eyelidseyelids resultingresulting
intointo ptosisptosis,, paralysisparalysis ofof musclesmuscles ofof eyeballseyeballs
andand respirationrespiration..
NeurotoxinsNeurotoxins bindbind specificallyspecifically toto cholinergiccholinergic
receptorsreceptors atat neuromuscularneuromuscular junctionjunction andand
produceproduce curarecurare likelike effecteffect andand respiratoryrespiratory
paralysisparalysis
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21. 2121
Clinical signsClinical signs
ClinicalClinical signssigns ofof neurotoxinsneurotoxins containingcontaining snakesnake
bitebite areare salivationsalivation,, hyperexeitabilityhyperexeitability,,
mydriasismydriasis,, asphyxia,asphyxia, gasping,gasping, recumbencyrecumbency,,
convulsionsconvulsions andand deathdeath withinwithin 22--44 hourshours..
RegurgitationRegurgitation ofof ruminalruminal contentscontents,, paralysisparalysis ofof
tongue,tongue, oesophagusoesophagus andand larynxlarynx isis alsoalso
observedobserved inin calvescalves..
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22. 2222
DiagnosisDiagnosis
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.
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23. 2323
Differential diagnosisDifferential 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

24. 2424Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

25. 2525Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

26. 2626
General management of snake biteGeneral management of snake bite
KeepKeep thethe animalanimal undisturbedundisturbed..
ToTo restrictrestrict thethe furtherfurther absorptionabsorption andand distributiondistribution ofof
venom,venom, applyapply aa tighttight tourniquettourniquet aboveabove thethe sitesite ofof bitebite..
InciseIncise thethe locallocal areaarea ofof snakesnake bitebite inin thethe directiondirection ofof
bloodblood vesselvessel andand gogo forfor suctionsuction andand infiltrateinfiltrate thethe areaarea
withwith 55%% soapsoap solutionsolution..
InjectInject antivenin,antivenin, antibioticsantibiotics andand antitoxinsantitoxins..
IfIf snakesnake hashas notnot beenbeen identified,identified, givegive polyvalentpolyvalent
antiveninantivenin intravenousintravenous andand alsoalso infiltrateinfiltrate thethe antiveninantivenin
locallylocally aroundaround thethe sitesite ofof bitebite..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

27. 2727
PolyvalentPolyvalent antianti--snakesnake venomvenom toto bebe
administeredadministered intravenouslyintravenously @@ 1010--2020 mlml perper
animalanimal dependingdepending onon thethe weightweight ofof thethe
animalanimal withwith cautioncaution..
GiveGive supportivesupportive treatmenttreatment forfor managingmanaging
shockshock andand cardiocardio--pulmonarypulmonary disturbancesdisturbances byby
administeringadministering corticosteroidscorticosteroids..
Dr N B ShridharDr 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 necrotizingby snakes with venom containing necrotizing
factor.factor.
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

29. SNAKE ANTIVENOMSNAKE ANTIVENOM
Snake antivenins are a manSnake antivenins are a man--made biological product calledmade biological product called
antianti--ophidicophidic serum.serum.
AnivenomAnivenom serum treatment are based on the vaccine processserum treatment are based on the vaccine process
developed bydeveloped by Louis PasteurLouis Pasteur..
Preparation involvesPreparation involves milkingmilking usually with the snake strikingusually with the snake striking
cloth placed over covered glass jars of snakes at laboratorycloth placed over covered glass jars of snakes at laboratory
This snake venom is then injected in smallThis snake venom is then injected in small amounts intoamounts into
mammals such as horses, sheep, or rabbits.mammals such as horses, sheep, or rabbits.
These animals have an immune response whereby antibodiesThese animals have an immune response whereby antibodies
against the venom are generated naturally.against the venom are generated naturally.
TheThe antivenomantivenom is thenis then harvestedharvested from the blood of the animal,from the blood of the animal,
purified and stored.purified and stored. 2929Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

30. MilkingMilking of venom from snakeof venom from snake
3030Dr N B ShridharDr 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

32. 3232
TOADSTOADS
Dogs and cats may play with toads and get exposedDogs and cats may play with toads and get exposed
orally to the toxins of toad secreted by the glands inorally 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 areDifferent toad toxins are bufogeninsbufogenins
((bufodienolidesbufodienolides)) -- bufotalinbufotalin,, bufotenidinbufotenidin,, bufoteninbufotenin,,
bufoviridinbufoviridin, serotonin and, serotonin and caiecholaminescaiecholamines..
BufogeninsBufogenins areare cardiotoxiccardiotoxic glycosides and haveglycosides 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

33. 3333
Some of the poisonous/toxic species of toadsSome of the poisonous/toxic species of toads
areare BufoBufo vulgarisvulgaris (Common toad),(Common toad), BufoBufo
marinusmarinus,, BufoBufo regularregular andand BufoBufo alvariusalvarius..
Out of theseOut of these B.B. alvariusalvarius (River toad) and(River toad) and BufoBufo
marinusmarinus (Marine toad) are the most toxic ones.(Marine toad) are the most toxic ones.
((BufoBufo vulgarisvulgaris common toad)common toad)
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

34. 3434
ClinicalClinical signssigns ofof toadtoad poisoningpoisoning
HypersalivationHypersalivation (some(some timestimes foamy),foamy), vomitingvomiting andand
pawingpawing atat thethe mouth,mouth, cardiaccardiac irregularitiesirregularities suchsuch asas
cyanosis,cyanosis, weakness,weakness, pulmonarypulmonary oedemaoedema,,
convulsions,convulsions, prostrationprostration andand collapsecollapse..
InIn casecase ofof BB.. marinusmarinus,, deathdeath occursoccurs withinwithin 1515
minutesminutes whilewhile inin BB.. regularisregularis poisoningpoisoning therethere isis
paralysisparalysis asas wellwell andand thethe animalsanimals generallygenerally diedie
withinwithin 22--66 daysdays..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

35. 3535
DiagnosisDiagnosis
History of pet playing with a toadHistory of pet playing with a toad
Clinical signs.Clinical signs.
TreatmentTreatment
No specific treatmentNo specific treatment..
Wash the mouth with plenty of waterWash 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 andexcessive salivation and bronchoconstrictionbronchoconstriction..
GiveGive antihistaminicsantihistaminics, sedatives or tranquilizers., sedatives or tranquilizers.
Administer corticosteroids.Administer corticosteroids.
AdministerAdminister cardioprotectivecardioprotective agents.agents.
GiveGive propranololpropranolol (0.2 mg/kg) to control cardiac(0.2 mg/kg) to control cardiac arrythmiasarrythmias
and myocardial fibrillation.and myocardial fibrillation.
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

36. 3636
BEES, SCORPIONS AND WASPSBEES, SCORPIONS AND WASPS
VenomVenom ofof bees,bees, scorpionscorpion andand waspswasps isis aa complexcomplex
mixturemixture ofof peptidespeptides,, nonnon--enzymaticenzymatic proteinsproteins suchsuch asas
apaminapamin,, melittinmelittin oror kininskinins,,
EnzymesEnzymes suchsuch asas phospholipasephospholipase AA andand BB,,
hyaluronidasehyaluronidase,, formicformic acidacid andand biologicallybiologically activeactive
amines,amines, suchsuch asas histaminehistamine andand 55--HTHT etcetc..
MelittinMelittin is a protein mainly found in honey beesis a protein mainly found in honey bees andand
is antigenic in nature and produces allergic reactionsis antigenic in nature and produces allergic reactions
mainly in human beings and horses.mainly in human beings and horses.
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

37. 3737
Scorpion WaspScorpion Wasp
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

38. 3838
SeveritySeverity ofof toxicitytoxicity variesvaries fromfrom individualindividual toto
individualindividual inin differentdifferent speciesspecies ofof animalsanimals..
AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis andand deathdeath fromfrom aa singlesingle stingsting
occursoccurs inin hypersensitivehypersensitive animalsanimals..
However,However, inin others,others, onlyonly mildmild toto moderatemoderate
inflammationinflammation andand painfulpainful swellingswelling isis observedobserved..
FollowingFollowing singlesingle insectinsect bite,bite, therethere isis extremeextreme
serousserous exudationexudation..
ThisThis accumulatedaccumulated fluidfluid exertsexerts protectiveprotective effecteffect
byby dilutingdiluting thethe poison,poison, exertsexerts locallocal pressurepressure onon
thethe circulationcirculation
ThusThus reducingreducing thethe disseminationdissemination ofof poisonpoison..Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

39. 3939
InIn multiplemultiple beebee oror waspwasp stingsstings,, therethere isis severesevere
locallocal inflammationinflammation andand oedemaoedema atat thethe sitesite ofof
sting,sting, intenseintense painpain andand pronouncedpronounced excitementexcitement..
InIn severesevere casescases inin horses,horses, therethere maymay bebe
diarrhoea,methaemoglobinemiadiarrhoea,methaemoglobinemia,, bilirubinemiabilirubinemia,,
jaundice,jaundice, haemoglobinuriahaemoglobinuria,, tachycardia,tachycardia,
dyspnoeadyspnoea andand followedfollowed byby death,death, thoughthough inin
rarerare casescases
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

40. 4040
TreatmentTreatment
NoNo specificspecific antidoteantidote isis availableavailable..
OnlyOnly symptomaticsymptomatic treatmenttreatment needneed toto bebe givengiven..
LocalLocal applicationapplication ofof weakweak solutionsolution ofof ammoniaammonia andand
sodiumsodium bicarbonatebicarbonate..
NervineNervine tonicstonics andand stimulants,stimulants, ifif therethere isis prostrationprostration..
Tracheotomy,Tracheotomy, ifif asphyxiaasphyxia isis severesevere..
EmergencyEmergency supportivesupportive therapytherapy forfor restorationrestoration ofof
cardiopulmonarycardiopulmonary functionsfunctions andand managementmanagement ofof
anaphylaxisanaphylaxis
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

41. 4141Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

42. 4242Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

43. 4343
SPIDERSSPIDERS
Numerous species of spiders have beenNumerous species of spiders have been
implicated in bites of human beings.implicated in bites of human beings.
Black widow spiderBlack widow spider
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

44. 4444
BrownBrown widowwidow spiderspider
RedRed leggedlegged spidersspiders
BrownBrown recluserecluse spiderspider
DesertDesert violinviolin spiderspider
ArizonaArizona violinviolin spiderspider
CobwebCobweb spidersspiders
JumpingJumping spidersspiders
RunningRunning spidersspiders
InIn animalsanimals BlackBlack widowwidow spiderspider ((LatroclectusLatroclectus
maclansmaclans)) hashas beenbeen mainlymainly foundfound toto bitebite dogsdogs
andand catscats.. Dr N B ShridharDr 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 swellingOn pressing, jelly like edematous swelling
around the bitearound the bite
Whole integument is painful andWhole integument is painful and
hypersensitive to pressurehypersensitive to pressure
Cramping spasms of abdominal musclesCramping spasms of abdominal muscles
Nervous excitement due to reflex contractionNervous excitement due to reflex contraction
of musclesof muscles
Rigidity of abdominal musclesRigidity of abdominal muscles
VomitionVomition
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

46. 4646
LossLoss ofof appetite,appetite, weakness,weakness, dyspnoeadyspnoea andand
hypertensionhypertension..
ParalysisParalysis occursoccurs inin acuteacute casescases andand deathdeath inin 44--
66 hourshours duedue toto paralysisparalysis ofof respiratoryrespiratory muscles,muscles,
butbut inin mildmild casescases itit maymay taketake daysdays..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

47. 4747
TheThe venomvenom ofof brownbrown recluserecluse spiderspider
((LoxoscelesLoxosceles reclusareclusa)) isis richrich inin hyaluronidasehyaluronidase,,
proteasesproteases andand otherother spreadingspreading factorsfactors andand
haemolysinshaemolysins..
The toxin probably damages endothelial cellThe toxin probably damages endothelial cell
membranes.membranes.
TheThe toxin is known to cause local swellingtoxin is known to cause local swelling,,
vascular thrombosisvascular thrombosis andand necrosisnecrosis..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

48. 4848
VenomVenom ofof thisthis spider,spider, alphaalpha latrotoxinlatrotoxin,, isis aa
potentpotent andand labilelabile neurotoxinneurotoxin whichwhich affectsaffects
neuromuscularneuromuscular junctionsjunctions
BindsBinds toto calciumcalcium channelschannels andand increasesincreases thethe
membranesmembranes permeabilitypermeability toto calciumcalcium ionsions andand
enhancesenhances depolarizationdepolarization..
ItIt isis alsoalso knownknown toto havehave aa highhigh contentcontent ofof
isoleucineisoleucine andand leucineleucine andand lowlow ofof tyrosinetyrosine inin
additionaddition toto lipoproteinslipoproteins andand hyaluronidasehyaluronidase..
SpiderSpider venomvenom isis 1010--1515 timestimes moremore potentpotent thanthan
rattlerattle snakessnakes..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

49. 4949
Post mortem lesionsPost mortem lesions ::
PostPost--mortem lesions are not specific except formortem lesions are not specific except for
venous congestion.venous congestion.
Treatment:Treatment:
NoNo specificspecific treatmenttreatment isis available,available, however,however, ifif
available,available, specificspecific antiveninantivenin maymay bebe injectedinjected..
SymptomaticSymptomatic treatmenttreatment needsneeds toto bebe givengiven..
GiveGive calciumcalcium gluconategluconate,, sodiumsodium pentobarbitonepentobarbitone
andand musclemuscle relaxantsrelaxants intravenouslyintravenously..
AdministerAdminister antihistaminicsantihistaminics,, intravenousintravenous fluids,fluids,
respiratoryrespiratory stimulants,stimulants, corticosteroidscorticosteroids andand atropineatropine
sulfatesulfate..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

50. 5050
TICKS (TICK TOXINS)TICKS (TICK TOXINS)
TicksTicks areare importantimportant asas vectorsvectors ofof manymany
diseasesdiseases andand anaemiaanaemia..
DoDo notnot posepose anyany immediateimmediate oror seriousserious effectseffects
uponupon thethe hosthost exceptexcept whenwhen presentpresent inin largelarge
numbersnumbers onon aa particularparticular sitesite..
In addition, ticks are involved in venomIn 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

51. 5151
When one or moreWhen one or more DermacentorDermacentor andersoniiandersonii
((wood tickswood ticks) are attached to skin, produce) are attached to skin, produce
paralytic symptoms which disappear whenparalytic symptoms which disappear when
offending ticks are removed.offending ticks are removed.
However, may result in death of animals ifHowever, may result in death of animals if
ticks are not removed. Symptoms of toxicityticks are not removed. Symptoms of toxicity
are due to aare due to a neuroparalyticneuroparalytic toxin of tickstoxin of ticks
Dermacentor andersoniiDermacentor andersonii
Ixodes holocyclusIxodes holocyclus
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

52. 5252
IxodesIxodes holocyclusholocyclus is another tick which causes tickis another tick which causes tick
paralysis in sheep and cattle. Cats are comparativelyparalysis in sheep and cattle. Cats are comparatively
more resistant.more resistant.
Similarly,Similarly, AmblyommaAmblyomma sp. andsp. and OrnithodorusOrnithodorus sp. alsosp. also
cause tick paralysis.cause tick paralysis.
ClinicalClinical signssigns ofof ticktick paralysisparalysis
ViolentViolent retchingretching (vomition(vomition reflex),reflex), anorexia,anorexia,
lethargy,lethargy, droolingdrooling ofof salivasaliva,, musclemuscle weakness,weakness, inin--
coordination,coordination, extensiveextensive dehydrationdehydration andand completecomplete
ascendingascending flaccidflaccid paralysisparalysis..
TheThe sequencesequence ofof paralysisparalysis isis :: HindHind limbs,limbs, forefore limbs,limbs,
chestchest musclesmuscles;; respirationrespiration isis affeaffectedcted duedue toto paralysisparalysis
ofof respiratoryrespiratory musclesmuscles includingincluding diaphragmdiaphragm..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

53. 5353
All limb and eye touch reflexes are absent, pupils dilateAll limb and eye touch reflexes are absent, pupils dilate
widely and death occurs due to respiratory paralysis inwidely 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 ofThe toxins are secreted by salivary glands of femalefemale
ticks.ticks.
Dogs are most commonly affected but losses also occurDogs are most commonly affected but losses also occur
in lambs, calves, goats, foals and children.in lambs, calves, goats, foals and children.
SeveritySeverity ofof paralysisparalysis isis independentindependent ofof thethe numbernumber ofof
ticksticks involved,involved, susceptiblesusceptible animalsanimals maymay bebe affectedaffected
seriouslyseriously byby aa fewfew ticksticks..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

54. 5454
TheThe toxintoxin causescauses paralysisparalysis ofof skeletalskeletal musclesmuscles
byby interferinginterfering withwith thethe releaserelease oror synthesissynthesis ofof
acetylcholineacetylcholine atat thethe motormotor endend platesplates ofof musclemuscle
fibersfibers..
FourFour toto tenten adultadult femalefemale IxodesIxodes holocyclusholocyclus
ticksticks produceproduce paralysisparalysis withinwithin 66--1313 daysdays ofof
infestationinfestation..
However,However, 3535--150150 ticksticks ofof DermacentorDermacentor
andersoniiandersonii attachedattached forfor 55--88 daysdays produceproduce
paralysisparalysis andand completecomplete recoveryrecovery takestakes placeplace
withinwithin 2424 hourshours afterafter removalremoval ofof ticksticks..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

55. 5555
Treatment:Treatment:
No specific treatment or the antidote isNo specific treatment or the antidote is
available.available.
ii)) AdministerAdminister hyperimmunehyperimmune serum in dogs.serum in dogs.
ii) Remove the ticks either manually or byii) Remove the ticks either manually or by
making use ofmaking use of acaricidesacaricides..
Control :Control :
Eradicate the ticks from the animals and theEradicate the ticks from the animals and the
premises by periodic use of effectivepremises by periodic use of effective
acaricidesacaricides..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

56. 5656
FISH (ICHTHYOTOXINS)FISH (ICHTHYOTOXINS)
FishFish isis thethe principleprinciple sourcesource ofof proteinsproteins forfor inhabitantsinhabitants
ofof thethe coastalcoastal areasareas andand alsoalso thethe animalsanimals andand birdsbirds inin
thethe formform offishoffish mealmeal inin theirtheir feedfeed..
FishFish poisoningpoisoning isis oftenoften observedobserved inin carnivorescarnivores ((Dogs,Dogs,
catscats andand somesome wildwild animals)animals) andand humanhuman beingsbeings..
WorldWorld overover aboutabout 125125 ppeopleeople areare estimatedestimated toto diedie ofof
pufferpuffer fishfish poisoningpoisoning perper
DogsDogs andand certaincertain animalsanimals andand birdsbirds beingbeing fedfed fishfish oror
fishfish mealmeal inin theirtheir feed,feed, respectively,respectively, maymay atat timestimes bebe
poisonedpoisoned..
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

57. 5757
ToxinsToxins by fish itselfby fish itself
marine planktonmarine 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 isviscera or skin or fish produce toxin that is
related to their gonads or fishes have a toxin inrelated to their gonads or fishes have a toxin in
their blood.their blood.
About 700 different species of marine fishes areAbout 700 different species of marine fishes are
known to be toxicknown to be toxic..
However, some are extremely potent and highlyHowever, some are extremely potent and highly
toxic.toxic. Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

58. 5858
SomeSome ofof thethe poisonouspoisonous fishesfishes areare ShellShell fishfish,,
PufferPuffer fishfish,, StingSting fishfish,, ScombroidScombroid fishfish,,
CiguateraCiguatera andand MorayMoray eeleel etcetc..
Sting fishSting fish
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

59. 5959
Shell fishShell fish
ToxinToxin:: SaxitoxinSaxitoxin
MOAMOA:: Inhibits inward current of Na+ across the axonal membrane
ClinicalClinical signssigns:: Burning sensation in lips and gums, tongue, face and
numbness of these parts, pain in joints, difficulty in
movement, thirst, progressive generalized paralysis and death
due to respiratory failure..
..
Dr N B ShridharDr 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

61. 6161
Moray eelMoray eel
ToxinToxin:: 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 ShridharDr N B Shridhar

62. 6262
Certain fish toxins are very potent e.g. theCertain fish toxins are very potent e.g. the
intraperitonealintraperitoneal LDLD5050 value ofvalue of tetrodotoxintetrodotoxin inin
mice is 8mice is 8 µµg/kg.g/kg.
The lethal dose ofThe lethal dose of saxitoxinsaxitoxin in human beings isin human beings is
approximately 4 mg.approximately 4 mg.
TreatmentTreatment
No specific antidoteNo specific antidote
Symptomatic treatment is indicated.Symptomatic treatment is indicated.
Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar

63. 6363Dr N B ShridharDr N B Shridhar