Blue-green algae toxicosis in five dairy cows.
Five Holstein cows developed a sudden clinical syndrome of ataxia, muscle tremors, recumbency, and bloody diarrhea. The pond where these cows obtained water contained a near pure culture of Microcystis aeruginosa, a toxic blue-green algae. All cows affected were treated with activated charcoal, procaine penicillin, glucose, and calcium and magnesium gluconate. All 5 cows were clinically normal ten days later. Many practicing veterinarians regard blue-green algae toxicosis as a rare syndrome that results in rapid death for consuming animals; however, this toxicosis may be common and not lethal. Because no diagnostic test is available for blue-green algae toxicosis, this condition rarely is diagnosed.
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water; D013577:Syndrome / Q000662:veterinary; D014118:Toxins, Biological / Q000506:poisoning*; D014871:Water Microbiology
D014118:Toxins, Biological