Livestock poisoning from oil field wastes

Abstract

Clinical signs in a herd that has been known to ingest crude oil, condensate and other petroleum hydrocarbons varies from sudden death to no observable effects. Onset of clinical signs encountered are petroleum smell on the breath, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, anesthetic like depression, mydriasis, ptyalism, epiphora, muscle tremors, head tremors, ataxia, tonic-clonic convulsive seizures, hypothermia and hyperthermia. Gastrointestinal signs include vomiting, bloat, rumen atony and abomasal displacement. Inhalation pneumonia is reported as a common sequela to ingestion of petroleum hydrocarbons. Fluid feces with a petroleum smell, diarrhea, constipation and hard oily feces have all been observed. Cardiopulmonary signs of tachycardia, hyperpnea, dyspnea, and moist rales have been observed. Ketonemia, ketonuria, albuminuria, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypomagnesemia, and elevated serum glucose have been documented.