Lithium toxicity in cattle
Johnson, J.H.; Crookshank, H.R.; Smalley, H.E.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 22(4): 248-251
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 7404986 Document Number: 165954
Eighteen mixed-breed beef cattle died as the result of consuming "tacky lithium grease" discarded from a rubber reclaiming plant. Four experimental groups of mature cattle were given oral doses of a lithium salt at 250, 500 and 700 mg/kg body weight. Although all animals in the 250 mg/kg group showed signs of intoxication, the signs were mild and transient. Doses of 500 and 700 mg/kg proved toxic and fatal (producing salivation, depression, anorexia, hypodipsia, anuria and diarrhoea). The high dose group also showed severe depression and ataxia. The highest mean lithium serum values were 19, 40 and 54 ppm, for the 250, 500 and 700 mg/kg groups, respectively. PM examination revealed dose-related gastroenteritis, slight interstitial nephritis, and hepatic cirrhosis. Residues of lithium were present in striated muscle (86.8 ppm), heart (79.3 ppm), liver (68.7 ppm), kidney (67.1 ppm), and brain (51.8 ppm) in the high-dose group. Since serum levels of cattle consuming the "tacky lithium grease" were 0.49 ppm of lithium, it is believed other contaminants in this discarded grease may have caused or enhanced the toxic effect of lithium.