Which clinical sign is indicative of acorn toxicity?

Acorn toxicity, primarily associated with the ingestion of acorns by livestock such as cattle and sheep, leads to specific clinical signs due to the presence of tannins and other compounds in the acorns that can cause kidney damage. One of the hallmark signs of this toxicity is perirenal edema, which refers to the accumulation of fluid around the kidneys. This condition occurs as a result of the direct nephrotoxic effects of acorn ingestion, leading to kidney inflammation, damage, and subsequent fluid retention in the perirenal space.

While vomiting, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light can also be associated with other forms of toxicity or gastrointestinal disturbances, they are not specifically indicative of acorn toxicity. Perirenal edema distinctly reflects the renal compromise that occurs as a consequence of acorn consumption, making it the most relevant clinical sign in this context. Understanding this helps in the diagnosis and management of acorn toxicity in affected animals.