A Poison Primer: Source and Symptoms

By the Mother Earth News editors

 Issue # 175 - August/September 1999

1. WATER CONTAMINATION

ALGAE

Occurs when dense bloom of blue-green algae produces potent neurotoxin.

Causes convulsions and sudden death in livestock, wildlife and birds.

Algae sampling and testing required to confirm poisoning.

SALT

Occurs when animal ingests high concentrations of salt or is deprived of water, especially in hot weather or in cold weather when water freezes.

Poultry, feeder pigs and ruminants are susceptible.

Blindness, deafness or paralysis may result.

2. SOIL IMBALANCES

SELENIUM

Occurs when livestock consume high selenium content in forage on alkali soil found on Great Plains of U.S., western Canada and Mexico.

In its most severe form, causes blindness and staggering. Can also cause cracked hooves and lameness.

Soil testing recommended for diagnosis.

MOLYBDENUM

Caused by imbalance in copper/molybdenum ratios in soil, most common in western U.S.

Ruminants, especially young cattle, are most susceptible.

Causes severe scours and emaciation.

3. FEED CONTAMINATION GOSSYPOL

Excess pigment found in cottonseed products causes cumulative toxicity.

Immature ruminants and pigs are most susceptible.

Prolonged exposure causes weight loss, weakness and loss of appetite.

AMMONIA

Caused by abrupt addition of feed-grade urea or ammonium salts to the ruminant diet.

Mature ruminants are most susceptible, as they convert nonprotein nitrogen to ammonia, which is toxic.

Causes muscle tremors, weakness, difficulty breathing and death.

MYCOTOXINS

Worldwide problem caused by ingestion of moldy feed or corn or certain varieties of mold-infected pasture grass and forage (e.g., fescue grass, rye, sweet clover).

All species of livestock, horses and poultry are susceptible.

Wide variety of signs are possible, including lameness, paralysis, listlessness, jaundice and internal bleeding.

Feed analysis required to confirm toxicosis.

FLUORIDE

Found in feed-grade phosphates, well water with high levels of fluorine or airborne factory waste.

Usually requires long-term exposure and results in abnormalities of the skeleton and teeth.

Signs may include mottling and staining of the teeth or softening of bones.

COPPER

Usually the result of improperly formulated mineral mixes or certain plants causing mineral imbalances.

Primarily affects sheep.

Signs are related to liver damage and include diarrhea, pain, dehydration, jaundice and blood in the urine.

CANTHARDIN

Caused by blister beetles, primarily in the southwestern U.S.

Beetles swarm in alfalfa hay during harvesting and are ingested by horses, sheep or cattle.

Signs include salivation due to oral ulcers, abdominal pain, shock and blood in the urine.

4. FARM SUPPLIES

LEAD

Very common culprit in farm animal poisonings.

Found in paint, batteries, grease and used motor oil.

Most common in cattle and dogs, but all animals may be affected.

Symptoms include dullness, lack of coordination, blindness or convulsions.

COAL TAR

Found in tar paper, creosote-treated wood, clay pigeons and tarbased flooring.

Pigs often affected after chewing treated wooden farrowing crates; cats are very sensitive as well.

Neurological signs, weakness, collapse and sudden death are often seen.

May also cause decreased growth rate in young pigs.

5. HOUSEHOLD

CHOCOLATE

The obromin in unsweetened baker's chocolate can cause severe illness; cases usually involve dogs.

Five ounces of baker's chocolate can be fatal to a 20-pound canine.

Typical signs are nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and occasionally coma.

HOUSEPLANTS

Most often involves holiday poisonings of kittens and puppies chewing on poinsettias, Easter lilies, mistletoe, philodendrons, spider plants and others.

Signs vary widely, but often include vomiting and neurological symptoms

Toxicity varies a among individual plants.

CLEANING SUPPLIES AND MEDICATIONS

Bored, young or inquisitive dogs may chew through plastic bottles and pill containers.

Most household cleaners will cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and other over-the-counter medications may be toxic and potentially fatal to cats and dogs