Acute fluoride toxicosis in beef cattle

Abstract

Acute fluoride toxicosis, though less common than chronic fluorosis, occurs occasionally in cattle. Nine cows out of a herd of 15 became weak and ataxic, and three died on a pasture where utility poles had been treated with a fluoride-containing compound. After postmortem examination, two of the three dead animals were diagnosed with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis consistent with acute fluoride toxicosis. Diagnosis of fluoride toxicosis was based on history, clinical signs, gross lesions, and fluoride concentration in urine and rumen content.