[Clinico-biochemical and hematological studies in acute monensin poisoning in swine]

Investigations were carried out with pigs divided into four groups and treated with monensin-Na at rates of 20, 30, and 50 mg/kg, once only, through a nose-pharyngeal tube. The total change in the clinical status was followed up. Most characteristic were found to be the changes setting in with the posture and locomotive apparatus--prolonged lying, pareses, etc. Blood was checked in the dynamic course of the disease at the 4th and the 24th hour as well as on the 6th day following monensin-Na treatment. The amount of haemoglobin and the erythrocyte count rose in the early stage of intoxication, and came back to normal after the 24 th hour. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia was also found. The serum level of selenium, calcium, vitamins A, B1, and C dropped substantially, while that of phosphorus and magnesium rose. The morphologic changes were found to be localized in the parenchymal organs and in the skeletal muscles. Featuring were diffuse hyperaemia, haemorrhages, granular degeneration, and focal necrosis.