What are the clinical signs of arsenic poisoning in animals?

• A. Dermal and respiratory signs only
• B. Cardiac signs only
• C. GI, neuro, and renal signs with inorganic or organic trivalent arsenic
• D. Skin lesions and hair loss

Answer: (C)

Arsenic poisoning in animals typically shows multisystem effects rather than a single-organ problem. The classic clinical picture includes gastrointestinal irritation (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration), neurological involvement (ataxia, weakness, tremors, sometimes seizures in severe cases), and renal toxicity (polyuria, polydipsia, azotemia). This broad, systemic pattern reflects how arsenic disrupts cellular energy metabolism and injures mucosal and other tissues, affecting multiple organ systems. Both inorganic arsenic and certain organic trivalent forms can produce this kind of multisystem presentation. Chronic exposure, on the other hand, may cause skin changes and hair loss, but those are not the hallmark features of acute poisoning. Cardiac signs by themselves are not the defining pattern, and relying only on skin lesions would miss the prominent GI, neuro, and renal manifestations.