Archive Case #137: Ovine Copper Toxicity

Clinical Clues

1. An adult sheep is presented for sudden weakness, jaundice, and dark red-brown urine.
2. The owner recently began feeding a mineral supplement intended for another livestock species.
3. The sheep is depressed and has pale to icteric mucous membranes.
4. Bloodwork identifies anaemia and evidence of acute haemolysis.
5. The liver is the major storage organ involved in this toxicosis in sheep.
6. Copper accumulation followed by sudden release can cause a haemolytic crisis in sheep.

Diagnosis

Ovine Copper Toxicity

This case is most consistent with Ovine Copper Toxicity because the sheep has haemolysis, haemoglobinuria, jaundice, and a compatible exposure history. The most important clues are the species sensitivity and hemolytic crisis pattern, which make a simple urinary tract disease less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.