Lead Poisoning in Dogs: Occurrence, Source, Clinical Pathology, and Electroencephalography

Abstract

SUMMARY Accidental lead poisoning was diagnosed and studied in 236 dogs admitted to the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital. The disease incidence increased annually after 1963 and was more common in Poodles and dogs less than 1 year old. The incidence was greatest in summer and early fall and was more common in dogs which dwelt in slum areas than was expected. Lead-based paints were the most frequent source of poisoning. Results of hematologic and urinary determinations supported those of previous studies. The diagnostic importance of nucleated and stippled red blood cells ( rbc ) in peripheral blood films was emphasized, and urine sediments frequently contained casts with few inflammatory cells. In addition, reticulocyte counts were usually increased and sedimentation rates and Coombs’ test results were normal. Results of bone marrow studies indicated hyperplasia of, and partial maturation defect in, the erythrocytic series of most dogs. Determinations of various clinical chemistry tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were usually normal. Electroencephalographic changes consisted of irregular, generalized slow-wave activity of increased amplitude.