Student Case Presentation
Ashes, Ashes, the Brangus Fell Down
| Date/Time: |
8/27/2026 3:00 PM
|
| Presenter: |
Frederik von Lillienskjold |
| Veterinary School: |
TAM |
Abstract:
A 3-weight weanling Brangus heifer was presented dead on the trailer. Two other calves were found dead the same morning. The producer was moving ranches and had not seen the herd for 5 days when all animals appeared in good health. There were no reported changes in hay or feed, and the calves had access to pasture with adequate forage and a protein lick. Chemical storage had recently been cleaned out and trash had historically been burned in the field the calves occupied. Based on the clinical history, exposure to toxins was at the top of the differential list, and a toxin panel was requested in addition to postmortem examination. On necropsy, main findings were moderate pleural and peritoneal effusion and erythema of the mucosa of the forestomach and abomasum. The splenic capsule, abomasal, and gallbladder wall were edematous. No evidence of abnormal feed or foreign material were noted within the gastrointestinal tract. Histologic examination of the rumen, reticulum, and omasum revealed diffuse submucosal edema and vascular congestion. In addition to congestion, the abomasum had superficial mucosal necrosis. The spleen and ileum had moderate acute multifocal lymphoid necrosis with lymphocytolysis. A liver sample was submitted for a metal/mineral panel. The arsenic concentration on dry weight basis was 89.87µg/g (normal 0.02µg/g to 1.60µg/g). After further discussion with the owner, he revealed that treated wood posts were burned in his trash pile located in the calves’ pasture. The ash was determined to have contained the toxic doses of arsenic. The calves were removed from the pasture and no additional deaths were reported. This case demonstrates the importance of continuing communication throughout the case and is a reminder that common practices may be seen as benign but can have significant negative impacts on animal health.
