Haemolysis sheep

Causes

·    Toxin ingestion – sulphur toxins (onions), nitrites/nitrates, copper

·    RBC parasitism

·    IV injection of hyper/hypotonic solutions ® RBC lysis

·    Contact with bacterial toxins

·    Water intoxication

Chronic copper toxicity

Clinical signs:

·    Anorexia

·    Depression, weakness

·    D+, abdominal pain

·    Jaundice of sclera and skin, black urine

Causes:

·    Livers capacity for Cu storage is exceeded

·    Sudden release into circulation ® liver damage, RBC destruction, jaundice

Diagnosis:

·    PM exam – jaundice of sclera and skin, black urine, bronze liver, shiny/metallic kidneys

Treatment:

·    Tricky as animal in kidney failure

·    Blood transfusion or fluid therapy to support kidneys

Acute Cu toxicity

Clinical signs:

·    Recumbent or dead

Causes:

·    Oversupplementation of copper in feed

Water toxicity

Causes:

·    Normal water intake but excess sodium ingestion

·    Normal sodium ingestion but inadequate water intake

·    Consumption of high sodium water

·    Administration of hypertonic oral electrolytes

Clinical signs:

·    Neurological signs – dumb, convulsions, dead

·    GI signs – rumen stasis, D+

·    Hyperthermia, tachycardia, nasal discharge

Treatment:

·    Restrict water intake to prevent sudden fluid flood to brain

·    IV dexamethasone to reduce cerebral oedema

·    Furosemide – reduce cerebral oedema and improve kidney function

Prevention:

·    Maintain fresh, clean water intake

·    Oral electrolyte solutions where appropriate