A 70-YEAR-OLD veterinarian was saved by medical personnel at Shenzhen No. 3 People’s Hospital from multiple organ failure after allegedly taking a poisonous substance that he thought would cure a herpses outbreak on his body, sznews.com reported Thursday.

The vet, identified as Chen, allegedly took in 10 grams of poisonous realgar, or ruby sulphur, to treat the herpes outbreak on the left side of his chest.

The dose, more than 100 times the safety standard, resulted in acute arsenic poisoning and caused multiple organ failure, nearly killing Chen.

After finding the herpes outbreak the size of his palm on his chest, Chen refused to see a doctor. He thought he could use his knowledge to cure himself. Chen prescribed himself 10 grams of realgar, the report said.

In traditional Chinese medicine, realgar, an arsenic sulfide mineral, is often used to kill intestinal parasites and treat sore throats. It is also applied in the treatment of blood diseases and tumors.

However, if heated, the substance will turn into arsenical trioxide, which is widely known as white arsenic. Ingesting only 0.01 to 0.05 grams of white arsenic can cause poisoning.

Chen suffered a combination of symptoms, including bellyache, diarrhea, nausea and emesis, within five hours of taking the medicine. His family members immediately took him to a nearby hospital in Guangming District.

Doctors at the hospital immediately identified Chen’s symptoms as poisoning and began pumping his stomach. Chen was later transferred to Shenzhen No. 3 People’s Hospital for kidney and liver failure.

“The mortality rate in his situation is higher than 95 percent,” said an experienced doctor at the hospital.

Chen’s condition was stabilized after timely treatment. At present, Chen has been transferred out of the ICU, the report said. (Wang Jingli)