Arsanilic acid toxicity in rabbits
Laboratory Animal Science
|April 1, 1980
Summary
Arsanilic acid in rabbit feed, even at low levels, can cause significant health issues including weight loss and death. Higher doses led to severe symptoms and increased arsenic in rabbit livers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Nutrition
- Rabbit Health
Background:
- Rabbit farming operations reported increased mortality, weight loss, and reproductive issues.
- Initial analysis of feed rations revealed low levels (less than 56 ppm) of arsanilic acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of arsanilic acid in rabbits.
- To determine the dose-dependent toxicity of arsanilic acid in weanling and adult rabbits.
Main Methods:
- A 30-day feeding trial involving weanling and adult rabbits.
- Administration of arsanilic acid in drinking water at doses ranging from 1.6 to 16.2 mg/day.
- Clinical observation, weight monitoring, and post-mortem analysis including hepatic arsenic level determination.
Main Results:
- Higher doses of arsanilic acid induced severe clinical signs, including diarrhea, convulsions, and death.
- Weight loss or reduced weight gain was observed in most treated groups (six of seven).
- Elevated total hepatic arsenic levels were detected in rabbits receiving arsanilic acid compared to controls, despite a lack of significant gross or microscopic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Arsanilic acid, even at levels found in contaminated feed, poses a health risk to rabbits.
- The study demonstrates a dose-dependent toxicity of arsanilic acid in rabbits, affecting growth and survival.
- Increased hepatic arsenic accumulation suggests a mechanism of toxicity and potential for sub-clinical effects at lower exposure levels.
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