Nitrate and nitrite poisoning

6681

12/30/01P>

Etiology

From ingestion of nitrate fertilizers or rapidly growing pasture grasses and some weeds. Nitrates and nitrites are converted to dangerous ammonia in rumen.

Symptoms

Rapidly worsening shortness of breath, weak rapid pulse, nervousness, weakness, incoordination, cyanosis, convulsions and death. May abort. Chocolate brown blood.

Treatment

Contact vet for special medicines.

Prevention

Keep animals away from fertilizers. Watch ryegrass pastures and other special crops.

Comments

Sodium nitrite additives in cat food can cause seizures. Nitrites added to human food can cause severe problems in some people.

Oklahoma State

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