Tag: Tox Talk

Tox Talk: Japanese Yew Toxicity

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In this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where a group of cow-calf pairs was turned out onto pasture, and several adult cows died suddenly while calves remained unaffected, pointing away from infectious disease. With no lesions found on necropsy, the veterinarians focused on toxic causes, especially those affecting cardiac function, oxygen delivery, or neurotransmitters. Clues from rumen contents and a pasture walk led to the discovery of Japanese yew trimmings in a dump pile, a highly toxic plant that causes rapid cardiac death. The case highlights the importance of environmental investigation and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.

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Tox Talk: Lantana Toxicity Case

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In this episode of Tox Talk with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through a challenging case where 75 cows were turned into a new pasture and left unchecked for two weeks, resulting in 22 deaths. The surviving cattle showed jaundice and severe skin damage linked to secondary photosensitization from liver injury. Through diagnostics and pasture investigation, the cause was identified as Lantana camara toxicity, leading to cholestasis and liver failure. The discussion highlights the importance of pasture evaluation, monitoring, and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.

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Tox Talk: Lead Poisoning in Young Calves

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In this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where multiple two-month-old calves in a dry lot died with minimal clinical signs. Initial differentials included infectious disease, nutritional issues, and ryegrass staggers, but necropsy and testing were largely unrewarding. Ultimately, elevated tissue lead levels confirmed lead poisoning, even though no clear source was identified. The case highlights the importance of considering lead toxicity in young calves with neurologic signs, especially when they have access to areas outside their normal environment.

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Tox Talk: Sudden Death in Fall-Calving Herd

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In this Tox Talk episode, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz review a case involving six dead calves out of 38 fall-calving cow–calf pairs on pasture. The producer had not been checking the herd frequently, making the exact timeline of deaths unclear. With at least one calf estimated to have been dead for 4–5 days. They emphasize how decomposition, weather, and time since death affect necropsy value. Initial differential diagnoses focus on infectious causes and potential toxicities, given that only calves were affected.

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Tox Talk: High Culling Rates

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A 2,000 cow dairy is seeing high culling rates due to lameness but not the typical lameness they are used to. What is wrong? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will discuss.

The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley, and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producers in the field.

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Tox Talk: Collecting Samples

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Black cow in front of green grass and blue sky.

For this unique episode of Tox Talk Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through how to collect samples to send into toxicology. They will discuss the important samples to collect depending on the situation.
Toxicology Sample Collection Guide

KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/

The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.

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Tox Talk: Shells in the Stomach

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Black and white cows in green grass with trees behind them.

After a big thunderstorm some calves are found dead and some found sick. What caused it and why were the cows not affected? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will find out in this episode of Bovine Science.

The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.

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Tox Talk: Ponderosa Pine

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Three red and white cows in open green grass with row of trees behind them.

After a large snow storm 34 cows have aborted their calves. What caused this and how can it be prevented in the future? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!

Ponderosa Pine: https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/poisonous-plant-research/docs/ponderosa-pine-pinus-ponderosa/
KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/

The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.

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Subscribe: Spotify | RSS