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This article was published in 1980
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Adverse Reactions Following the Use of a Proprietary Injectable Copper Compound
J.M. Wilson, B.V.Sc., Veterinary Inspector, Tweed-Lismore
Introduction
In June of 1979 investigations were carried out in a Lismore district dairy herd where a chronic ill thrift, suboptimal production and reproduction problem existed. Two significant findings were a number of positive titres to Leptospira hardjo, and blood copper levels ranging from 3.4 to 10.8 µmoles/litre. Advice given to the owner included a recommendation that routine use of copper injections in the herd would prove beneficial.
Copper Deficiency in cattle is a problem that has been known to exist on the Northern Rivers of N.S.W. for almost thirty years, but it is only over the past ten years or so that increased blood sampling has revealed the extent of the problem. The use of injectable copper compounds (based mainly on copper glycinate and copper edetate) has increased significantly to the point where something in excess of 250,000 doses of injectable copper are used annually in the region.
These injections are generally administered by stockowners, by subcutaneous injection, and are usually accompanied by 10 to 15 per cent of local reactions consisting of localised subcutaneous sterile or infected abscesses. These reactions are accepted by owners and the industry generally, as the blemishes are far outweighed by the benefits arising from the use of copper therapy.
Of the injectable copper compounds available to owners, Coprin Multidose Injection (R) (Glaxo-Allenburys Australia Pty Ltd) brand of copper calcium edetate, and Cuprate (R) (Ethnor Pty Ltd) brand of copper glycinate, have been the most commonly used. Following a report of Anaphylaxis in cattle (Clark 1979) Coprin (R) was withdrawn from sale.
Case History
On 17.7.79 the owner injected 2ml of Cuprate (R) (containing 60 mg copper as the glycinate per ml) subcutaneously on the side of the neck in 64 lactating dairy cows. Within 12 hours of injection adverse reactions were noted in more than two thirds of the treated animals. According to the owner (who unfortunately did not report his problem for three days), there were massive swellings of the brisket to 'football' size, lameness, depressed milk production, and in one case swelling above and behind the udder. When seen by the writer on 20.7.79 about half the herd was showing severe brisket swelling and lameness, but the owner considered that the problem was subsiding and milk production was beginning to rise again.
The owner was closely questioned on his method of injection, which seemed to be satisfactory. A partly used bottle of Cuprate (R) was taken back to the office, and from it a sample submitted to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory at Wollongbar for bacteriological examination. This gave negative results under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Communication with Ethnoris Veterinary Product Manager produced no useful information, but the firm's veterinary officer indicated a willingness to visit the herd if the problem could be reproduced. Subsequently the owner was approached and readily agreed to make portion of his herd available for a clinical trial.
With the assistance of Dr. P. Greenwood, B.V.Sc. of Ethnor. Pty. Ltd, a small clinical trial was initiated on 7.11.79.
Materials and Methods
Thirteen adult milkers in fair condition were subjected to treatment with Cuprate (R).
Of these, one had been previously treated, 12 had not. Both the suspect batch: (as used by the owner on 17.7.79) and a different batch (as supplied by Ethnor Pty. Ltd) were used on alternate animals.
The 2 ml dose was given by subcutaneous injection using a fresh, sterile needle for each animal. Injections were given at various sites on the side of the neck, ranging from high to brisket region.
Injections were made about 10 a.m. on 7.11.79. The cattle were inspected at the afternoon milking on that day, again the following morning (8.11.79) and on the morning of 10.11.79 and the afternoon of 12.11.79.
Results
Nine of thirteen cattle treated showed reactions. There was no apparent difference between the 2 batches of Cuprate (R), nor could the severity of reaction be correlated with the site of injection.
Description of Reactions
Within 6 hours of injection swellings about 10cm diameter were seen at the injection site. There was slight lameness of the fore limb on the injected side. The following morning reactions had disappeared from injection sites, but affected cattle had swollen briskets, were severely lame and had depressed milk production.
On 10.11.79 very severe swelling of briskets (to 25cm in 4 cases), malaise, inappetence, disinclination to move about, and cessation of lactation were noted. The swellings were hard, hot and tense.
By 12.11.79. the swellings were diminishing rapidly, and other signs were abating. The owner reported all animals normal by 20.11.79.
Discussion
There appears to be nothing about the affected herd, nor the property which sets it apart from many similar herds and properties in the area, where Cuprate (R) has been widely used without untoward results. Questioning of local distributors of the product, local users and District Veterinarians in both practice and official situations has not brought to light any similar occurrence.
The condition resembles a local anaphylactic reactions, unaffected by the site of injection. Is it possible that in this herd there is some component in the vehicle in which the copper glycinate is suspended which had produced the untoward response? It would be of interest to try other proprietary formulations of copper in the herd, and it is hoped to attempt this at a later date.
References
Clark, F.L. (1979) - Departmental report.