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Abstract
The rumen modifier monensin is widely used in Australia cattle production systems. In addition to its anti-coccidial action monensin improves energy efficiency and nitrogen metabolism in rumen bacteria, and reduces the incidence of metabolic disorders such as acidosis and bloat. While monensin is considered safe for cattle, swine and poultry, it is extremely toxic to horses and incidents of toxicity have also been reported in camels. In this study, we are reporting for the first time monensin toxicosis in a camel herd in South-West Queensland, Australia (~267 km west of Brisbane). The camels were fed a cattle breeder supplements containing 250 mg/kg monensin, formulated to ensure effective concentrations if the supplement is consumed by breeder cattle at levels of 200-500 g/head/d. Blood samples were collected from 13 camels with clinical signs of monensin toxicosis and 12 healthy camels that had no exposure to monensin. Post-mortem examinations were carried out on two camels immediately after death, these animals had marked ascites. Monensin toxicoses resulted in marked decreases in albumin and increases in ALP, LDH and CPK when compared to physiologically normal healthy camels. Other parameters in the blood profile remain within normal limits. Minor to no histopathological changes were observed in the two necropsied camels however death due to rapidly developing congestive heart failure is suspected. Skeletal muscle was not examined histologically. However, the biochemical changes could be consistent with muscle necrosis.
Highlights
The rumen modifier monensin is a polyether ionophore antibiotic produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces cinnamonensis [1]
Clinical observation Toxicity signs demonstrated by several camels ranged from depression and muscular weakness to inability to stand
Histopathology findings Myocardial necrosis, a feature of ionophore toxicity in other species was not noted in the sections examined
Summary
The rumen modifier monensin is a polyether ionophore antibiotic produced by the soil bacterium Streptomyces cinnamonensis [1]. It is widely used in Australian and US cattle production systems [2]. In addition to its anti-coccidial action, monensin improves energy efficiency and nitrogen metabolism in rumen bacteria, and reduces the incidence of metabolic disorders such as acidosis and bloat [3]. Monensin induces pH change within the cell, which can lead to a reduction in the secretion and/or transport of the chemicals important for the proper functioning of the cell. Monensin affects the processes involved in formation of external structures on the cell surface and their growth by reducing the secretion of necessary substances [1]. It has been demonstrated that the cellular effects of monensin depend on the body size subjected to its action, the route of administration, and the dose of this antibiotic [1]
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