Copper toxicosis in sheep: a case report

Two ewes died after being fed rabbit ration and mineral salts designated for cows. This food is known to contain copper levels above that indicated for sheep. Blood counts revealed anemia, and serological tests showed high blood urea nitrogen, glutamic pyruvic transaminase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase values. At necropsy, the animals had hepatopathy and nephropathy. Hepatic copper levels were 414 ppm. Histological examination revealed chronic active hepatitis with bile casts and tubular nephrosis. The liver, spleen and kidneys had hemosiderosis. This was attributed to the massive hemolysis caused by the copper. The liver failure and hemolytic anemia caused death in these sheep.