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Lead poisoning is an acute encephalopathy occurring after accidental exposure and ingestion of lead-containing materials.
Aetiology
Lead poisoning is caused by ingestion of lead-containing materials such as discarded car batteries and lead-based paints, although these paints are now rare.
Clinical Presentation.
Lead poisoning is characterized by an acute encephalopathy. Irrespective of the rate of uptake of lead, the clinical signs of intoxication are sudden in onset and characterized by behavioural changes. Affected cattle become:
- Isolated and depressed, but they are hyperaesthetic to tactile and auditory stimuli.
- They may show muscle twitching, especially of the palpebral muscles.
- They are blind and may head press forcibly into corners and against walls.
- As the disease progresses, cattle become frenzied, bellow, stagger and crash into obstacles.
- There may be signs of abdominal pain including kicking at the abdomen and frequent teeth grinding - bruxism.
- Bloat is often seen and attempts at alleviating this problem may precipitate frenzy.
- Death may occur suddenly or within days.
Differential Diagnosis
- Hypomagnesaemic tetany.
- Nervous ketosis/acetonaemia.
- Rabies/pseudorabies.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of lead poisoning is based on clinical signs and the presence of a lead source. Confirmation depends on histopathological findings and kidney and liver lead concentrations.
Management
Cattle that eat lead will likely die. If you suspect lead poisoning in cattle, remove cattle from the affected area immediately. The cause should be identified and the risk removed.
Treatment for acute lead poisoning is seldom effective. The disease has usually progressed too far to be treated once clinical signs are seen. Treatment only stops or lessens the clinical signs of lead poisoning and must be begun early if an animal is to be saved.
Injections of thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) can reduce the effects of lead on the central nervous system. Drenching with small amounts of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) may also help to reduce absorption of lead from particles held in the reticulum of cattle, sheep and other ruminants. These relatively low-cost treatments may improve the survival rate of clinically affected animals.
More intensive treatment options are available, including injections to increase the rate with which lead is eliminated from the body. However, these options are unlikely to be cost-effective for commercial livestock.
Treatment for acute lead poisoning is seldom effective. The disease has usually progressed too far to be treated once clinical signs are seen. Treatment only stops or lessens the clinical signs of lead poisoning and must be begun early if an animal is to be saved.
Injections of thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1) can reduce the effects of lead on the central nervous system. Drenching with small amounts of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) may also help to reduce absorption of lead from particles held in the reticulum of cattle, sheep and other ruminants. These relatively low-cost treatments may improve the survival rate of clinically affected animals.
More intensive treatment options are available, including injections to increase the rate with which lead is eliminated from the body. However, these options are unlikely to be cost-effective for commercial livestock.