Sodium Fluoride/Copper Naphthenate Toxicosis in Cattle

Abstract

Fourteen cattle on a Kansas pasture died from ingestion of a wood preservative compound containing sodium fluoride and copper naphthenate. Clinical signs included depression, anorexia, ataxia, diarrhea, and recumbency. Grossly visible lesions included perirenal edema, pale kidneys, and forestomach ulceration. All 3 cows that had postmortem evaluations had extensive renal cortical tubular necrosis. Tissue concentrations of fluoride were slightly elevated above expected background levels, while copper tissue concentrations were not elevated. The findings indicated that the sodium fluoride caused renal tubular necrosis leading to renal failure. Copper naphthenate may have contributed to abomasal ulceration; however, tissue copper concentrations indicated that copper from the formulation was not appreciably absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. © 2007 American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.