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Acute urea toxicity in sheep.
Summary
Acute urea toxicity in sheep, caused by high doses (0.5-0.75 g/kg), led to rapid death primarily from respiratory arrest. Clinical signs included muscle fasciculations, convulsions, and anuria, with elevated plasma glucose, ammonia, and urea.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Physiology
- Ruminant Nutrition
Background:
- Urea is a common nitrogen supplement in ruminant diets.
- Excessive urea intake can lead to acute toxicity.
- Understanding urea toxicity mechanisms is crucial for animal health and livestock management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of urea on sheep.
- To determine the clinical signs and survival times associated with acute urea toxicity.
- To identify the primary cause of death in urea-toxic sheep.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven sheep were divided into three groups.
- Groups received urea at doses of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.75 g/kg body weight.
- Clinical signs, survival times, and plasma parameters were monitored.
Main Results:
- Mean survival times decreased with increasing urea dosage (165, 109, and 60 minutes).
- Observed clinical signs included muscle fasciculation, ataxia, convulsions, anuria, and bloating.
- Death was attributed to respiratory arrest, with elevated plasma glucose, ammonia, and urea.
Conclusions:
- Acute urea toxicity in sheep is dose-dependent and can be fatal within hours.
- Respiratory arrest is the primary cause of death, not cardiovascular collapse.
- Monitoring clinical signs and plasma biochemistry is essential for diagnosing and managing urea toxicity.