Chronic copper poisoning in sheep from Northern Paraná, Brazil: case report

Abstract

Chronic copper poisoning (CCP) in sheep is a severe disease that occurs worldwide. This paper describes the pathological lesions of CCP that occurred in a flock of sheep from Northern Paraná, Southern Brazil. Seven, cross-breed Merino sheep, out of a flock of 14 were affected. Most of these animals demonstrated muscular tremors, nervous symptoms, difficult breathing, and died within 24-48 after the onset of clinical signs. Gross lesions were characterized by generalized icterus, hemoglobinuria, dark colored kidneys, and a softened spleen. Histological findings included tubular renal necrosis, centrilobular hepatic necrosis, and status spongiosis of the white matter of the brain; toxicological evaluation of the liver confirmed CCP.