Veterinary MedicineToxicologyVeterinary ToxicologyNutritional ToxicologyPoisoning DiagnosisToxicologic PathologyFood ToxicantsPoisoning InvestigationSelenium NutritionSelenium ToxicitySelenium ToxicologySheep ToxicologyHepatotoxicity Of SeleniumNeurotoxicity Of SeleniumSelenium BiochemistrySelenium Poisoning In LivestockToxicologic DiagnosisToxicologic Findings
Acute toxicosis occurred in 20 young lambs treated with sodium selenite to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy. Similar toxicosis occurred in an experimentally poisoned ewe. The lambs were given 10 mg. of sodium selenite orally. Seven died within 10 to 16 hours. In 8 others, diarrhea developed but they recovered; the other 5 apparently were unaffected. The clinical signs in the experimentally poisoned ewe were depression, ataxia, dyspnea, frequent urination, elevated temperature, and increased pulse and respiratory rates. Terminal signs included cyanotic mucous membranes, dilated pupils, tympany, and recumbency. Gross and microscopic pathologic changes occurred in the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems. The changes included edema, hyperemia, hemorrhages, necrosis, and degeneration of these organ systems. A toxicologic analysis of the liver and kidneys indicated presence of toxic amounts of sodium selenite. Since there was no treatment known for acute sodium selenite toxicosis, none was given. 17 references, 1 figure.