| Scott Fritz, DVM, ABVT Toxicologist Beef Cattle Institute Kansas State University Scottfritz@vet.k-state.edu |
Sources
- Water: surface water (ponds especially in late fall or drought years) in some areas of the country and ground water (wells) in others.
- Feed: Some co-products are recognized sources like DDGs, molasses, etc.
- Poultry litter
Mechanism
Dietary sulfur is converted by the rumen microbes to hydrogen sulfide gas. H2S is eructed and inhaled and probably absorbed across the rumen wall. Hydrogen sulfide is a systemic poison that interrupts cellular metabolism. Tissue with high energy demand, like the brain, are first affected.
Signs
Classical clinical signs include ataxia, blindness, and head pressing. These typically occur 1-4 weeks after starting cattle on a high-sulfur diet.
Treatment
Thiamine is the treatment of choice for polio cases. Corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and diuretics have been recommended but their efficacy is unclear, and the adverse effects of their use may outweigh any benefit they have.
Diagnosis
Response to thiamine administration is a strong diagnostic indicator. Histologic lesions are identical to those caused by lead toxicosis and water deprivation/sodium ion toxicosis. Brain sodium and liver and kidney lead concentrations should be analyzed to rule out these other causes. Thiamine has shown to be beneficial in cases of lead encephalopathy.
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