COPPER TOXICOSIS IN SHEEP - A CASE-REPORT

Two ewes died after being fed rabbit ration and mineral salts designat ed for cows. This food is known to contain copper levels above that in dicated for sheep. Blood counts revealed anemia, and serological tests showed high blood urea nitrogen, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and gl utamic oxalacetic transaminase values. At necropsy, the animals had he patopathy and nephropathy. Hepatic copper levels were 414 ppm. Histolo gical examination revealed chronic active hepatitis with bile casts an d tubular nephrosis. The liver, spleen and kidneys had hemosiderosis. This was attributed to the massive hemolysis caused by the copper. The liver failure and hemolytic anemia caused death in these sheep.