Accidental Poisoning of Sheep due to Consumption of Contaminated Paddy Grains -Identification and Confirmation of Toxicants by GC-MS

Five sheep aged between 3–4 years were brought to Small Ruminant Medicine Referral Unit of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu with a history of accidental ingestion of intoxicated paddy grains in the field with unknown toxicants. On physical examination, congested mucous membrane, severe depression, salivation, tarry coloured diarrhoea, abdominal cramp, twitching of muscles in the face, dyspnoea and torticollis of neck were observed. Whole blood and sera samples were collected for haemato-biochemical analysis. ECG was performed with a base apex lead system. The haematological analysis revealed haemoconcentration and no alterations in serum biochemistry. ECG revealed ventricular tachycardia and hyperkalemia. The blood gas measurement showed a slightly decreased level of blood pH and bicarbonate. The intoxicated paddy grain was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and confirmed the presence of phorate and its three metabolites along with ethion. The animals were treated with fluid therapy, inj. atropine sulphate @ 1.0 mg kg⁻¹, 2/3^rd IV and 1/3^rd SC, inj. 2-PAM @ 25 mg kg⁻¹ IV in normal saline and activated charcoal @ 2g kg⁻¹ PO, antioxidants and lexatives. Post-treatment analysis performed after 7 d revealed normal blood pH, bicarbonate level and ECG. The animals recovered uneventfully.