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Suspected citrus pulp toxicosis in dairy cattle
G K Saunders1, D J Blodgett, T A Hutchins
1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061-0442, USA.
Summary
Sudden dairy cow deaths were linked to citrus pulp toxicosis. Eliminating citrus pulp from the diet resolved the mysterious illness in the dairy herd.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Sudden deaths occurred in a dairy herd over a six-week period.
- Affected cows exhibited decreased milk production, with some showing elevated heart rates, enlarged lymph nodes, azotemia, hyperglycemia, and weight loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of unexplained mortality in a lactating dairy herd.
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for the observed clinical signs and pathological lesions.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy was performed on ten deceased cows.
- Histopathological examination of multiple organs was conducted.
- Dietary history, including feed ingredients, was reviewed.
Main Results:
- Necropsy revealed widespread hemorrhages, lymphadenopathy, interstitial nephritis, and pneumonia.
- Histopathology showed lymphocytic to lymphogranulomatous inflammation across various organs.
- Lesions were consistent with toxicosis, and citrus pulp was identified as a potential dietary cause.
Conclusions:
- Citrus pulp toxicosis was identified as the cause of the dairy cow deaths.
- Eliminating citrus pulp from the diet led to the resolution of the syndrome.
- This highlights the importance of careful dietary management in dairy herds.