Arsenic Poisoning

6271

Etiology

Rodenticides and insecticides containing arsenic are rarely used now. There is a difference between these inorganic preparations and organic feed additives which are intended to increase productivity and as a treatment for dysentery in pigs.

Symptoms

Inorganic: Watery, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, abdominal pain, rapid onset.
Organic: Incoordination, paralysis, occasional blindness, alert with good appetite.

Treatment

Dimercaprol and electrolyte. Not a job for the average goat raiser! If accidently given pig feed with arsenic additive, stop feeding that right away.

Prevention

All poisoned bait products should be used with extreme care and avoided if at all possible. The newer mice traps are quite effective against the smaller mice that are a frequent problem around barns and feed storage areas. If you have a serious problem with rats, it may be best to seek professional help.

Do not feed pig feed to any other farm animal.

Comments

One would need a very good reason (and I can’t think of any) to use any product containing arsenic. P>