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Zinc Toxicity in Cattle and Sheep

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Several episodes of zinc toxicity in cattle and sheep have been described. Sources of zinc included the accidental addition of zinc oxide to cattle feed, galvanized wire and troughs, heavy use of zinc-containing fertilizers and fungicides, milk replacer containing large amounts of a zinc supplement, and home-made molybdenum licks.

Species affected: Bovine, Ovine

Symptoms: Abdominal distention; Agalactia or dysgalactia; Anorexia (complete, partial); Arrhythmia; Bloat (tympany); Chemosis, conjunctival, scleral oedema, swelling; Colic; Constant or increased vocalization; Decreased amount of faeces (constipation), absent faeces; Dehydration; Diarrhoea; Dullness, depression, lethargy, depressed, lethargic, listless; Exophthalmos; Generalized weakness (paresis, paralysis); Grinding of teeth (bruxism, odontoprisis); Jaundice; Lack of growth or weight gain, retarded, stunted growth; Nystagmus; Anaemia, pale mucous membranes or skin; Pica, depraved appetite; Polydipsia; Polyphagia; Polyuria; Rough hair coat, dull, standing on end; Seizures or syncope, convulsions, fits, collapse; Skin oedema; Sudden death, found dead; Tachycardia; Underweight (poor condition, thin, emaciated, unthriftiness, ill thrift); Weight loss;

Public health importance: Not applicable.

References

  1. Cummings J.E. and Kovacic J.P., 2009, “The ubiquitous role of zinc in health and disease,” Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care; 19:215-240 [Web Reference]
  2. El Bahri L., 2005, “Edetae calcium disodium,” The Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian; 27:612-614
  3. Osweiler G.D. and Galey F.D., 2000, “Toxicology,” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice; 16:409-597
  4. Puschner B., et. al., 2004, “Influence of age, sex, and production class on liver zinc concentration in calves,” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation; 16:278-282 [Web Reference]
  5. Sharpe R.T. and Livesey C.T., 2005, “Surveillance of suspect animal toxicoses with potential food safety implications in England and Wales between 1990 and 2002,” Veterinary Record; 157:465-469 [Web Reference]
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