Experimental crystal violet and methyl violet poisoning in dogs and cattle.

Crystal violet has been observed to cause fatal pulmonary alterations in dogs. To further evaluate this toxicity and the toxicity of methyl violet, 12 dogs and 2 calves were given 1 percent aqueous solutions of the dyes intravenously. Both dyes caused the formation of numerous dye protein emboli which lodged in the lungs producing thrombosis and infarction. A 1 per cent solution of the dyes caused precipitate formation when added to bovine serum or heparinized plasma IN VITRO. Serum proteins in general were decreased as determined by paper electrophoresis of serumcrystal violet supernatants. These dyes could be used effectively in studying the pathogenesis of certain pulmonary lesions, especially emphysema and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia.