Biomedical subjects

Birgit Puschner

Publications and source records attributed to Birgit Puschner.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Rapid determination of domoic acid in serum and urine by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid, selective, and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative determination of domoic acid in serum and urine samples. Samples were prepared for analysis using an Oasis HLB SPE column. Determination was by a reversed phase HPLC using a mixture of methanol, acetonitrile, and water containing 1% acetic acid and an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion-trap mass spectrometer (Finnigan LCQ). The method was validated by analyzing five replicates each of negative control bovine serum or urine fortified with domoic acid at the 0.005 microg/g method detection limit (MDL) and at the 0.05 microg/g level. Recoveries ranged from 90 to 95% for fortifications at the MDL and from 92 to 98% for fortifications 10 times higher than the MDL. The diagnostic utility of the method was tested by analyzing samples from live animals showing clinical signs suggestive of domoic acid poisoning submitted to the veterinary toxicology laboratory.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Mycotoxins.

The relevance of many mycotoxins to small animal health is difficult to assess, because available information has not been collated and reviewed. Only aflatoxins, penitrem A, and roquefortine have been confirmed in natural mycotoxicoses in pets. Effects of tricothecene mycotoxins, patulin, and penicillic acid on dogs and cats have only been studied experimentally and have not been confirmed in natural outbreaks. Although they make up only a small portion of the cases presented to veterinarians, mycotoxicoses often require special effort. Establishing an accurate diagnosis is crucial to minimize exposure and provide adequate treatment. In most cases, clinical examination, clinical pathologic testing, and analytical chemistry analysis of suspect feed are necessary to reach a diagnosis.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Toxic mushrooms.

Poisonous mushrooms contain toxins that are as diverse as the mushrooms themselves. Clinical syndromes often involve multiple organ systems, and progression of clinical signs is often directly related to the quantity eaten. Diagnostic detection of the toxins is rarely an option; rather, diagnosis is based on a history of possible exposure and identification of mushroom species in the stomach contents and environment. Treatments are usually based on clinical signs, as most mushroom toxins are without an antidote. There are exceptions, however, and prompt identification of mushroom species involved is vital whenever possible. Collection of the toxicologic minimum database and gastrointestinal decontamination are important in all cases where mushroom ingestion is suspected.

Agaricales↗

PubMed2002

Coma and apnea in a dog with hydroxyzine toxicosis.

Hydroxyzine is a commonly prescribed H1-receptor antagonist in small animal practice. The most common adverse effect reported after therapeutic dosing is mild sedation; severe reactions resulting in coma have occasionally been reported in children. We present a case of large po hydroxyzine exposure causing in coma and apnea in a dog. Exposure was confirmed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of urine. Extensive therapeutic measures to enhance drug elimination and assist ventilation were required for 11 d. The positive outcome justifies critical care of similarly exposed animals. Veterinarians should be aware of the potential for coma and apnea secondary to hydroxyzine exposure.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Diterpenoid alkaloid toxicosis in cattle in the Swiss Alps.

Between 1995 and 1999, several cattle of a group of 80 heifers died acutely on a pasture in the Swiss Alps. The animals were Found dead between July 9th and 15th eachyear. Only 1 animal was examined on post-mortem, and no significant lesions were found. Aconitum vulpera, A napellus, and Delphinium elatum were identified in the pasture. The presence of diterpenoid alkaloid-containing plants in the pasture, the rapid death of the animals, and the lack of pathologic lesions suggested diterpenoid alkaloid toxicosis as a cause of death. A multiresidue alkaloid screen using gas chromatography with a mass spectrometric detector was employed on rumen, abomasal, small intestine, and cecal contents from the I heifer. Deltaline, deltamine, and lycoctonine were identified. Aconitine was found in all gastrointestinal samples using a sensitive and highly specific liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methodology for aconitine analysis. The findings ofditerpenoid alkaloids in the gastrointestinal contents confirmed exposure to Delphinium and Aconitum spp, possibly resulting in sudden death.

Aconitine↗

PubMed2002

Amanita mushroom poisoning: efficacy of aggressive treatment of two dogs.

Amatoxins, the primary toxins found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita, are very toxic to dogs. Acute fulminant liver failure and death can occur within a few days of ingestion. By their curious nature, dogs, especially young dogs, are prone to ingest mushrooms. Early identification of suspect mushrooms, and prompt emergency measures aimed at decreasing absorption of the toxins can improve the chance of survival. Knowing the major clinical syndromes associated with Amanita mushroom toxicosis can help direct the treatment and supportive care of affected animals and improve survival rates. We describe 2 cases in dogs with confirmed ingestion of Amanita phalloides and Amanita ocreata resulting in fulminant liver failure. Death occurred in 1 dog despite aggressive treatment measures including hemoperfusion, while aggressive measures resulted in a favorable outcome in the other dog.

Amanita↗

PubMed2002

Management of an ingested lead foreign body in an Amazon parrot.

An adult male, double-yellow-head Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix) was presented with a 36-h history of seizure episodes. On presentation, the bird was slightly obtunded, seizured once for approximately 20 sec and the seizure was controlled with midazolam. Whole body radiographs revealed a 2-mm diameter, circular, dense object in the ventriculus. A presumptive diagnosis was made of lead toxicosis, and supportive care of sc fluids and gavage feedings. Calcium disodium EDTA and chelation therapy was initiated immediately. Blood analysis revealed 1.2 ppm lead wet weight. Bulk diet therapy with freQuent high fiber gavage feedings was unsuccessful at removing the foreign body and the lead object was ultimately retrieved from theventriculus using endoscopy. Sources of lead available to the pet birds include lead weights, solder, stained glass molding, jewelry and bird toys. However, this Amazon parrot was fed portions of game birds that contained lead shots within their muscles, which is a common source of secondary lead poisoning in raptors.

Animals↗