[Acute lead poisoning in a young cow (case report)]

Calves were treated with different doses of lead acetate to investigate the influence of chronic subclinical lead intoxication on the immune system. A seven months old heifer fell ill showing typical signs of acute lead intoxication. This animal had been fed 0.316 mg lead for three months and 5 mg Pb/kg body weight/day for 17 days afterwards. Following symptoms were observed: Derangement of the central nervous system, paresis of the left body side, motor paralysis of the chewing muscles and disturbances of swallowing activity. Furthermore tooth grinding and attempts to push against, or climb walls were seen. After a single dose (2g) Ca-EDTA the heifer recovered progressively in 18 days.