lasalocid and Paralysis

Lasalocid, accidently introduced into a commercial dog food, was found to be the cause of neuromuscular toxicosis in 10 dogs. Toxicosis was confirmed in 4 principal dogs. The history, clinical signs, and pattern of onset of lasalocid-induced toxicosis in the 14 dogs were similar to those reported for botulism. The signs, which were related to a generalized lower motor neuron deficit, were generally different from ionophore-induced toxicosis reported in other species. Supportive therapy and close monitoring were sufficient to bring about a gradual improvement in all of the dogs, despite the severity of clinical signs.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Botulism; Diagnosis, Differential; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Food Contamination; Lasalocid; Paralysis; Retrospective Studies; Syndrome

Two growth experiments were conducted to evaluate in broiler chicks the compatibility between lasalocid medication in the feed (at 90 or 125 ppm) and a long-term administration of chloramphenicol either via the feed (500 ppm) or via the drinking water (500 mg/liter). The simultaneous administration of lasalocid and chloramphenicol generally caused severe growth depression, decreased feed intake and impaired feed conversion. Several chicks showed evident symptoms of intoxication, such as ataxia, leg weakness and paralysis. The development and frequency of these symptoms were dependent on the dosage of lasalocid and on the duration of the simultaneous administration. Biochemical examinations (Experiment 2) revealed in the affected chicks significant changes in several parameters, in particular a markedly increased activity of creatine kinase and GOT in the plasma. It confirmed that the observed leg weakness and paralysis were caused by myodegeneration.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Ataxia; Body Weight; Chickens; Chloramphenicol; Creatine Kinase; Drug Incompatibility; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eating; Female; Lasalocid; Male; Paralysis; Poultry Diseases