Serum electrolyte, acid-base balance, and enzyme changes in acute halogeton glomeratus poisoning in sheep.

Fourteen sheep were used on an acute halogeton toxicity feeding experiment. Seven sheep were fed a lethal dose of Halogeton glomeratus, an oxalate-producing plant, 7 served as controls. Various serum and tissue electrolytes and enzymes were measured. Sesum calcium decreased while magnesium and phosphorus increased. Although a severe hypocalcemia resulted from the feeding of halogeton tetany was not observed. Blood pH, pCO(2) and pO(2) measurements demonstrated that alkalosis did not develop. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase all increased. Succinic dehydrogenase was inhibited in the rumen wall but not in other tissues according to the methods used. This finding, as well as other work cited, indicates a possible interference with carbohydrate metabolism.