Arsenic toxicosis in sheep: The first report from Iran

Abstract

Arsenic contamination of groundwater has been previously reported in Ghopuz, a village located in the Northwest of Iran. Samples were taken from consuming and irrigation water and plants of the region for chemical analysis. A seven-year old ewe, which had lived in and fed a lifelong at the same place, with clinical signs such as weakness, wasting and inappropriate integument was necropsied. Grossly, buccal erosion, stomatitis, cutaneous ulcers and serous atrophy of fat deposits were observed. Rumen contents, wool and several tissue samples were obtained for toxicological and histopathological examinations. Mean arsenic concentration in the spring water, irrigation water and grass/algae were 70.11, 48.74 and 141.85 ppb (µg/kg), respectively. Arsenic levels were 486.73, 247.94, 127.92, 125.97 and 231.24 ppb in wool, skin, rumen contents, liver and kidney, respectively. Microscopic study revealed hyperemia and heavy parasitic infestation of the abomasal wall. Hyperemia and regeneration of renal tubule epithelia were observed in kidneys and hyperkeratosis, suppurative deep dermatitis and paniculitis were found in skin. Periacinar fibrosis and a poorly differentiated cholangiocarcinoma were seen in liver. In pancreas, reduced cell density of islands of Langerhans was noticeable. In the central nervous system, perineuronal and perivascular edema, ischemic changes in gray matter neurons, and microcavitation of white matter were present. Our findings confirmed chronic arsenic toxicosis in small ruminants in this region. It can be concluded that long-term consumption of arsenic contamined water and forage may be associated with chronic arsenic poisoning in domestic animals and human beings, with consequent neoplastic disease and induction of diabetes in this region.

Effects of Vitamin E on Hemato-Biochemical Constituents, Kidney Parenchyma and Tissue Accumulation in Sodium Arsenite Exposed Teddy Goat Bucks

“…Bowman's capsular spaces were expanded due to the shrinkage of the glomerular cells. Similar findings have been observed in goats (Ghosh et al, 2014) and sheep (Ashrafihelan et al, 2013). Vitamin E supplemented reduced degenerative lesions due to antioxidant properties and production of glutathione and superoxide dismutase by reducing the cell injuries (Selvaraj et al, 2012).…”

Vascular injury in spontaneous subacute toxicosis caused by organic arsenic in cattle

“…However, this status seems to be more specifically valid in the human medical context (Hughes 2002, Yu et al 2002. Except for a chronic toxicosis recently described in sheep by Ashrafihelan et al (2013), gastrointestinal changes, especially in the forestomachs, are the main clinical manifestation of As toxicosis in cattle in consecutive expositions. Currently, the condition may be associated with accidental exposure to MSMA because, in most countries, including Brazil, this compound has been used in herbicide formulations due to the ban on inorganic As compounds.…”

Mitigating Fluoride, Lead, Arsenic and Cadmium Toxicities in Laboratory Animals and Ruminants through Natural Products

“…[63] Arsenic Weakness, congestive mucous membranes, emaciation and several ulcers in different parts of the skin in ruminants. [75] Weight loss, weakness, languor, ill-thrift, dry and alopecic coat that readily comes off, focal skin lesions, congested mucous membranes and stomatitis in sheep.…”

“…Buccal erosion, stomatitis, cutaneous ulcers and serous atrophy of fat deposits were observed in ewes. [75] Abnormal growth in wool, and biochemical, hematological and histopathological disturbances in sheep. [76] Hepatotoxicity in goats and sheep.…”