Acute monensin toxicity in dromedary camels

Abstract

Twenty adult camels were offered monensin at the dose rate of 200 mg per head per day. Signs of toxicity which appeared 24 hours later, included dark brick red to coffee coloured urine followed by ruminai atony, muscular tremors, weakness and inability to stand. On necropsy thigh muscles of affected camels were pale and had occassional ecchymotic and Myocardium was pale and had petechial haemorrhages. Lungs were severely congested and trachea and bronchi were filled with foamy serous exudate. Gastrointestinal mucosa was congested. Kidneys were enlarged and congested. Urinary bladder contained coffee coloured urine and spleen was enlarged. Cardiac muscle fibres were degenerated and had haemorrhages of varying sizes. Hepatic cells were necrosed and leukocytic infiltration was evident in hepatic parenchyma. Necrosis of the parenchymatous cells of tubules and haemorrhages of varying sizes were observed in kidney. Haematological studies revealed that there was marked leukocytosis. Serum enzymes (CPK, ALT, LDH, ALP, AST and GGT) were increased significantly. There was significant decrease in serum calcium and phosphorus levels. No significant effect on BUN and creatinine concentration was observed.