Botulism

Abstract

Botulism is a neuroparalytic affection caused by ingestion of
toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, a gram positive bacterium,
anaerobic spore-forming, which are widely distributed
in nature, soil and sediments of lakes and seas. It has been described
seven neurotoxins (A to G); the C most commonly found
in small animals. In dogs, the disease mainly occurs by ingestion
of preformed toxin present in spoiled food or rotting carcasses.
The neurotoxin type C cause blockage of acetylcholine receptors
at neuromuscular junction, generally from hours to days after
ingestion. The affected dogs have ascending flaccid paralysis of
the skeletal muscles, although the sensitivity and awareness are
maintained. Initial diagnosis is carried out through the history
of the animal as well as clinical manifestations. The standard
technique for definitive diagnosis is intraperitoneal inoculation
of blood serum of suspected animals in mice. Supportive care is
essential to recovery. The prognosis is good if there is no development
of secondary infections or other complications. The recovery
is complete after a period of 2 to 3 weeks. In more severe
cases, death can occur due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
The prevention of the disease in dogs is based on restricting
the consumption of spoiled food or rotting carcasses