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[Feed-related selenium poisoning in swine]
M Räber1, T Sydler, U Wolfisberg
1Abteilung Veterinär-Anatomie der Universität Bern. marta.raeber@ita.unibe.ch
Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde
|May 14, 2010
Summary
Selenium toxicosis caused severe neurological and dermatological issues in pigs due to contaminated feed. High selenium levels in feed and blood confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the need for feed quality control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Animal Nutrition
Context:
- A case report detailing selenium toxicosis in a commercial pig-fattening farm.
- Two finisher groups of pigs were affected, exhibiting distinct clinical signs.
- Differential diagnoses, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Swine Vesicular Disease, were ruled out serologically.
Purpose:
- To document and analyze a case of selenium toxicosis in pigs.
- To correlate clinical signs, pathological findings, and feed analysis with elevated selenium levels.
- To confirm the diagnosis of selenium toxicosis through toxicological evaluation.
Summary:
- Affected pigs displayed neurological signs (ataxia, paresis) and lameness associated with epidermal ablation of the coronary band and alopecia.
- Post-mortem examination revealed multifocal bilateral symmetric poliomyelomalacia and severe histological changes in the claws.
- Feed analysis showed a 100-fold increase in finishing premix selenium, leading to 20-60 fold increases in finisher feed. Blood selenium levels in affected pigs were 4-10 times higher than normal.
Impact:
- This case highlights the severe clinical and pathological consequences of selenium toxicosis in swine.
- It underscores the critical importance of rigorous feed quality control and selenium level monitoring in animal feed.
- Findings provide valuable insights for veterinarians and nutritionists in diagnosing and preventing similar toxicological events in livestock.
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