Musculoskeletal Toxic Plants Flashcards
What species are affected by Senna spp.?
Cattle, pigs
Horses (rare)
What is the toxic principle of Senna spp.? What is its mechanism of action?
Specific toxin unknown, likely quinones
Toxic at 1% of body weight
Inhibits cytochrome oxidase -> muscle degeneration
What are the clinical signs and lab abnormalities of Senna spp. toxicity?
Coffee colored urine
Elevated muscle enzymes
Hyperkalemia
Poor weight gain/appetite
How are the signs of Senna spp. toxicity different in horses?
Liver is often affected before muscles.
Have severe ataxia and often die suddenly.
How is Senna spp. toxicity diagnosed?
Muscle degeneration on necropsy, especially heart and hindlimbs
Which species are affected by ergotism?
All farm animals, especially cattle
What are the clinical signs of ergotism?
Poor appetite Rough hair Lameness Swelling/sloughing of feet, ears, and tail Tongue necrosis in sheep Delayed conception
Chronic exposure -> gangrene
How can ergotism be diagnosed?
ID of fungus in grains or chemical analysis of feed for ergot alkaloids
How is ergotism treated?
Keep animals warm and dry, prevent secondary infections
Nitroprusside
Domperidone in horses to prevent agalactia
What species are affected by tall fescue toxicity?
Horses, cattle, sheep
What is the toxic principle of tall fescue toxicity?
Ergot alkaloids (ergovaline) produced by endophyte fungus Acremonium coenophilium
What are the syndromes and clinical signs associated with fescue toxicity in cattle?
“Summer slump”: poor appetite/weight gain, reduced conception, retention of winter coat, elevated body temperature
“Fescue foot”: lameness, sloughing of tail, ears, and feet (like ergot)
What are the clinical signs associated with fescue toxicity in horses?
Abortions Prolonged gestation Dystocia Thickened placentas Poor milk production
What are specific treatments that can be used in mares with fescue toxicity to promote a normal gestation time?
Metoclopromide and domperidone
How are horses and dogs exposed to black walnuts?
Dogs- eating moldy walnuts
Horses- walnut shavings in bedding
