A convenient method for the treatment of chronic copper poisoning in sheep using subcutaneous ammonium tetrathiomolybdate

Vet Rec. 1988 Jul 9;123(2):51-3. doi: 10.1136/vr.123.2.51.

Abstract

Effective control of copper poisoning in sheep was obtained by the subcutaneous injection of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. Three doses, each of 3.4 mg/kg bodyweight, were given on alternate days. This treatment caused a substantial reduction in liver copper content and in liver damage. It also decreased the mortality rate in animals that had developed the haemolytic crisis. The subcutaneous route is as effective as the intravenous route and is more convenient. No adverse side-effects of the treatment were observed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Copper / blood
  • Copper / metabolism
  • Copper / poisoning*
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Molybdenum / administration & dosage
  • Molybdenum / pharmacology
  • Molybdenum / therapeutic use*
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Sheep Diseases / drug therapy

Substances

  • Copper
  • Molybdenum
  • tetrathiomolybdate