Onion toxicosis in buffaloes

Abstract

Nine buffaloes non-descript aged between 4 to 9 years affected by onion toxicosis were presented to Veterinary College, Hospital, Bidar, with the signs of anorexia, dullness, depression, staggering gait and passing dark brown coloured urine. On clinical examination affected buffaloes revealed tachycardia, polypnoea, pale mucous membrane, and coffee decoction color urine. Hematological examination revealed decreased values of total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume with leukocytosis. Erythrocyte indices revealed tendency towards macrocytic hypochromic anemia. Serum biochemistry revealed normal serum urea nitrogen and total serum bilirubin. Affected buffaloes were treated with vitamin E and Selenium along with supportive therapy of 5% dextrose and 8 buffaloes were recovered within 5 days of treatment. Necropsy findings of dead buffalo revealed pallor of tissue, jaundice, dark brown kidneys and urine and fragments of onion in rumen.