Effects of oxalic acid ingestion by sheep. I. Small doses to chaff fed sheep

Abstract

Small doses of oxalic acid were given to sheep and typical results in sheep receiving 3 and 6 g. per day are given in detail. Little was excreted in the faeces, although sufficient calcium was present in the faeces to combine with 12 times the amount of oxalate present. The blood urea value rose, the blood calcium fell and there was an increase in the CO₂combining power. Only very small amounts of oxalic acid were found in the tissues after death. Sheep receiving the larger dose showed typical acute changes in the kidneys with deposition of crystals. Nevertheless, little evidence of renal failure or actual obstruction was obtained, the volume of the urine being maintained and the urea concentration remaining normal.