Characterizing 1341 cases of veterinary toxicoses confirmed in western Canada: A 16-year retrospective study.

Veterinary toxicoses are frequently observed in western Canada. This study reports the frequency and characteristics of intoxications in animals reported between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2013. Information was obtained from toxicological case records from the Prairie Diagnostic Services, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. There were 1341 animal poisonings with 19 compounds over the investigational period. Lead poisoning was the most common toxicity (43.7%). Poisoning with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and strychnine were also common events. Poisonings were most common in 2001, 2009, and 2012. Intoxications occurred most frequently during the months of May through July. Cattle were the most commonly poisoned species (n = 696), followed by dogs and eagles.