Botulism

Question 1

Botulism is a neuroparalytic illness resulting from intoxication with a neurotoxin produced by which organism?

Answer 1

Clostridium botulinum

Question 2

What conditions are necessary for C. botulinum spore germination and cell division?

Answer 2

Anaerobic conditions and high quantities of organic material.

Question 3

How many distinct types of C. botulinum neurotoxin have been identified?

Answer 3

7

Question 4

All reported canine cases of botulism to date have been caused by which toxin type, with two exceptions?

Answer 4

Type C

Question 5

The two exceptional canine cases of botulism reported from Senegal were caused by which toxin type?

Answer 5

Type D

Question 6

What is the basis of the production of lower motor neuron (LMN) paralysis in botulism?

Answer 6

The toxin prevents the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 7

Botulism in animals is most commonly caused by _____

Answer 7

Ingestion of preformed toxin

Question 8

What is the typical source of the preformed toxin ingested by dogs causing botulism?

Answer 8

Raw, decaying meat or carrion.

Question 9

Once ingested, how are C. botulinum types C and D toxins primarily absorbed?

Answer 9

From the upper small bowel into the lymphatic system via endocytosis.

Question 10

In all species, botulism is characterized by generalized LMN dysfunction, leading to?

Answer 10

Weakness and flaccid paralysis

Question 11

What is a key initial clinical sign of type C canine botulism?

Answer 11

A progressive, symmetric, ascending weakness from the rear to the forelimbs.

Question 12

What aspect of a dog’s demeanor is typically maintained even in affected dogs with botulism?

Answer 12

Pain perception and alert mental attitude.

Question 13

How do dogs with botulism respond to muscle flexing, stretching, or palpation, unlike inflammatory LMN diseases?
a) They show severe hyperesthesia.
b) They show mild discomfort.
c) They do not show hyperesthesia.
d) They show muscle fasciculations.

Answer 13

They do not show hyperesthesia.

Question 14

What gastrointestinal and urinary signs may develop in dogs with botulism due to autonomic dysfunction?

Answer 14

Constipation and urinary retention.

Question 15

What ocular conditions may develop in dogs with botulism due to weak palpebral reflex and reduced tear production?

Answer 15

Conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis.

Question 16

What is the incubation period for botulism after ingestion of contaminated food in dogs?

Answer 16

Hours to 6 days

Question 17

What is the typical duration of illness in dogs that recover from botulism?

Answer 17

14 to 24 days

Question 18

Which functions tend to return first during recovery from botulism in affected dogs?

Answer 18

Cranial nerve, neck, and forelimb functions.

Question 19

In the reported cases of type D botulism in dogs, what were the signs, and what was the suspected cause?

Answer 19

Sudden death with generalized hemorrhage, possibly caused by C2 toxin.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT typically considered in the differential diagnosis for LMN disease in dogs, alongside botulism?
a) Polyradiculoneuritis.
b) Myasthenia gravis.
c) Hyperthyroidism.
d) Tick paralysis.

Answer 20

Hyperthyroidism.

Question 21

Compared to polyradiculoneuritis or tick paralysis, what signs are more common in botulism in dogs?

Answer 21

Cranial nerve abnormalities and cholinergic signs.

Question 22

Botulism in dogs is described as a condition that causes ___________

Answer 22

Paralysis

Question 23

Botulism in dogs is primarily caused by ingesting
a) The Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
b) The botulinum toxin.
c) Spores of Clostridium botulinum.
d) Contaminated water

Answer 23

The botulinum toxin.

Question 24

At what temperature range does Clostridium botulinum grow best, assuming anaerobic conditions?

Answer 24

15°C to 45°C

Question 25

For toxin production, Clostridium botulinum requires anaerobic conditions and what pH range?

Answer 25

Low acid (pH over 4.6)

Question 26

Which types of botulinum toxin are most commonly associated with human disease?

Answer 26

Types A, B, E, and F

Question 27

What is the role of Non-toxic Associated Proteins (NAPs) in the progenitor toxin complex?

Answer 27

They help the Botulinum Neurotoxin (BoNT) survive the GI tract.

Question 28

The basis of the production of lower motor neuron (LMN) paralysis in botulism is that the toxin: a) Increases presynaptic acetylcholine release. b) Prevents the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. c) Directly stimulates muscle contraction. d) Causes inflammation of peripheral nerves.

Answer 28

Prevents the presynaptic release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.

Question 29

Intestinal colonization with Clostridium botulinum can be induced in adult animals or people only if they are?

Answer 29

Germ-free or being treated with antibiotics.

Question 30

Which type of infection, though less common in dogs compared to humans, can also transmit botulism?

Answer 30

Wound infections.

Question 31

In severe cases of botulism, what can ultimately lead to death?

Answer 31

Failure of respiratory muscles.

Question 32

What is typically the first clinical sign observed in a dog with botulism?

Answer 32

progressive, symmetric, ascending weakness from the rear to the forelimbs.

Question 33

Which routine laboratory test is mentioned as part of the diagnosis for botulism? a) Fecal parasite exam. b) Urinalysis. c) Culture for Clostridium botulinum. d) Specific antibody titers.

Answer 33

Urinalysis.

Question 34

What type of findings are expected on Electromyography (EMG) for a dog with botulism?

Answer 34

LMN dysfunction.

Question 35

Which biological samples can be used for toxin detection in a dog suspected of having botulism?

Answer 35

Serum and feces.

Question 36

Which diagnostic test is referred to as the "Gold Standard" for detecting botulinum toxin?

Answer 36

Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT).