Small ruminant toxicology and cases

Abstract

There are numerous compounds and routes which small rumi­nants may access that can be detrimental to animal health and production. Many toxic compounds affect bovine, caprine and ovine in similar manners. Although these species are all ru­minants, they are not identical. Due to variations among these species, the susceptibility, clinical presentation and lesions associated with toxic agents may differ. It is important to note what toxic agent species are susceptible to and how animals are affected to effectively diagnose and treat afflicted animals. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief review of some of the more common toxicities regarding caprine and ovine species. A brief review of several cases associated with the toxins cov­ered also provides insight into situations practitioners may find themselves in.