Hemoglobinuria induced by excessive mustard oil cake feeding in a buffalo: A case report

Abstract

Nutritional hemoglobinuria is an important metabolic disorder of high-producing dairy buffaloes and is commonly associated with hypophosphatemia, oxidative damage to erythrocytes, and dietary factors. A seven-year-old pregnant buffalo presented with coffee-colored urine for three days. Hematological examination showed mild anemia (hemoglobin: 7 g/dL, PCV: 21%, TEC: 5 million/µL), while serum biochemical analysis revealed hypophosphatemia (inorganic phosphorus: 3 mg/dL). Blood smear examination was negative for hemoparasites. The animal had a history of excessive mustard oil cake consumption (approximately 20-25 kg over 10 days), suggesting nutritional hemoglobinuria due to oxidative hemolysis induced by cruciferous plant constituents. Treatment with intravenous sodium acid phosphate, ascorbic acid, antihistamines, and supportive hematinic therapy, along with withdrawal of mustard oil cake from the diet, resulted in complete clinical recovery without recurrence.