CLINICAL SIGNS, RADIOLOGY AND TISSUE LEAD DISTRIBUTION OF DOGS ADMINISTERED A MIXTURE OF LEAD CHLORIDE, LEAD BROMIDE AND LEAD SULPHATE

Abstract

Eight-month-old dogs maintained on a high-fat-low-calcium diet were administered a mixture of lead chloride, lead bromide and lead sulphate for prolonged periods at 4 different dose levels. Dogs on high levels of leads showed marked weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms followed by death. Two dogs on low lead levels developed neurological signs. Radiological investigations showed radiopaque particles in 27 per cent of abdominal radiographs and "lead lines' in the distal radius of 3 dogs. Highest tissue lead levels were found in bones followed by liver and kidney, brain and spinal cord.