Salt Poisoning

6201

12/30/01

Etiology

Excess consumption of salt usually accompanies water deprivation and frequently follows salt deprivation.

Symptoms

Mild to acute gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, dehydration, nervous, respiration is rapid and shallow, urine frequent or large amount, ataxia (incoordination), blindness, weakness, sudden death, muscle contractions, prostration, pulse rapid, normal temperature, trembles, thirsty, unexplained deaths.

Treatment

Small amounts of water at frequent intervals (by stomach tube if necessary).

Prevention

Always have salt and water available to the animals. If you happen to notice that they haven’t had salt for some time, re-introduce salt gradually.

Univ of Georgia

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