Large Animal Medicine: The Diagnosis and Treatment Of Nitrate Poisoning I n Cattle
This a summary of the topic of nitrate poisoning in cattle.
Nitrate is converted into nitrite by the rumen.
The nitrite is then converted into ammonia.
Any excess of nitrite is absorbed by the blood stream and then converted into methemoglobin.
Drooling is the most important clinical sign of nitrate poisoning in cattle,
On nitrate poisoning the blood acquires a chocolate color due to the presence of methemoglobin.
Methylene blue is the drug of choice for the treatment of nitrate poisoning.
Nitrate poisoning in cattle is a preventable condition.