Urinary Retention Syndrome Associated with Cistus Salviifolius Ingestion in Cattle: A Case Report from Eastern Libya.

• Salah Eldein S. Abrayk

  Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

• Almahdi M. Akraeim

  Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

• Abdulsalam Saleh

  Department of Health Food Hygiene, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

• Muhanid I. Almabruk

  Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

• Nageeb Mahfoth

  Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

  Author

• Hamzah Othman

  Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

  Author

• Abdulrahman Aljali

  Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

  Author

• Ibrahim Al-Saadi

  Preventive Medicine Department, Veterinary Medicine College, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Baida, Liby

  Author

• Ahmed Saad

  Department of Surgery and Reproductive Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University

  Author

Cistus salviifolius L. is a common Mediterranean shrub associated with sporadic outbreaks of urinary retention and renal dysfunction in grazing cattle. While similar cases have been documented in Portugal, Spain, France, and Turkey, no previous reports have been published from Libya. This study presents the first clinical, hematological, and biochemical investigation of suspected Cistus salviifolius intoxication in grazing cattle in northeastern Libya (Al Jabal Al Akhdar region). Three adult cows from Mansoura, Staluna, and Al-Bayda were examined after exhibiting urinary disturbances, including dysuria, bladder distension, and perineal wetness. Clinical examination revealed poor body condition and normal temperature with mild tachycardia. Laboratory findings demonstrated mild normocytic anemia (HGB 7.7 g/dL; HCT 22.6%), leukocytosis with a neutrophilic shift, elevated serum AST (76–170 U/L), and mild hyperphosphatemia (5–6.9 mg/dL). Urea and creatinine values remained within or near normal limits, suggesting early renal involvement without overt azotemia. Mild hyponatremia and hypochloremia were detected, while urinalysis showed proteinuria, leukocyturia, and low specific gravity (1.015–1.020), consistent with tubular dysfunction. Quantitative HPLC analysis of urine identified pyrogallol (0.003–0.072 µg/mL) and gallic acid (0.012–0.093 µg/mL), supporting exposure to tannin-derived nephrotoxic metabolites of Cistus salviifolius. These findings indicate subacute to chronic plant-associated toxicity manifesting as urinary retention, hepatocellular stress, and renal tubular dysfunction. The present report represents the first evidence of Cistus salviifolius toxicity in Libyan cattle, emphasizing the need for further investigation and preventive management in Mediterranean grazing systems

1. Muhanid I. Almabruk, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

   Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

2. Nageeb Mahfoth, Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

   Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya

3. Hamzah Othman, Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

   Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

4. Abdulrahman Aljali, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

   Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya

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