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Chronic phenylmercuric acetate toxicity in a horse
Veterinary and Human Toxicology
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) caused chronic mercury poisoning in a horse, leading to muscle atrophy and dental issues. Renal dysfunction and tissue damage were observed, with higher inorganic mercury levels in the kidneys.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic mercury intoxication poses significant health risks to equines.
- Understanding the toxicokinetics and pathological effects of different mercury compounds is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological effects of chronic oral phenylmercuric acetate (PMA) administration in a horse.
- To compare the toxicological profile of PMA with other mercury compounds.
Main Methods:
- Oral administration of PMA to a horse over 27 weeks at 0.4 mg Hg/kg/day.
- Clinical observation, pathological examination of tissues, and mercury level analysis in plasma and tissues.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs included masseter muscle atrophy, mastication difficulties, weight loss, and dental pathology.
- Pathological findings revealed renal tubular degeneration/necrosis, and necrotic foci in muscles, spleen, and myocardium.
- Mean plasma inorganic mercury was 500 ng/ml; kidneys showed the highest inorganic mercury accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Phenylmercuric acetate induces chronic inorganic mercury intoxication in horses, with significant oral and renal pathology.
- PMA's rapid gastrointestinal absorption contributes to its toxicity, differing from mercuric chloride effects.