Pathological changes in an Alsatian dog following Amitraz and Sniper (dichlorvos) exposure

Abstract

Amitraz and Sniper (dichlorvos) are known ectoparasiticides of dogs in Nigeria. Although reports of their toxicosis exist, information on the pathological presentations of their combined toxicosis is scanty hence the present case report. Two dogs both had Amitraz bath with simultaneous fumigation of their immediate environment with Sniper (diclorvos). Excessive salivation, staggering gait, and respiratory distress were observed shortly thereafter with the prompt administration of atropine sulphate which ameliorated it, but a particular dog progressively became weak, inactive and off feed. A vomitus, dark watery stool and blood spots were observed within its kennel before death. The post-mortem examination revealed emaciated, dehydrated and tick infested carcass with pale ocular and oral mucous membranes. There was also ileocolic intestinal intussusception characterized by anal intussusceptum protrusion, congested liver and pulmonary peribronchial haemorrhage with inter-alveoli cellular infiltration including haemorrhagic enteritis. Death might have been due to hypovolemic shock following the observed dehydration, pallor, haematochezia, peritoneal fluid exudation, hepatic congestion, pneumonia characterized by peribronchial haemorrhages, and haemorrhagic enteritis. The observed intussusception was a rare occurrence in a dog following Amitraz and Sniper poisoning in Abuja, Nigeria, which highlighted the need for their cautious and professional use.