Production Animal Clinical Toxicology

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Bryophyllum spp. (Mother of Millions)

• found on roadsides, overgrazed, rundown paddocks, dumps, vacant allotments
• not palatable - poisoning usually only in dry season
• roots and thick stems most toxic
• toxins irritant to gastrointestinal tract
• abdominal pain
• fluid, blood stained, mucus covered faeces a result of haemorrhagic enteritis
• animals will die 2-3 days
• many recover without residual effect
• recent studies suggest that hearts and flowers of this plant contain cardiac glycosides that could be more toxic than the alimentary toxin(s)

Ricinus communis (Castor oil plant)

• contains ricin and ricine - very toxic
• horses and man very susceptible
• abdominal pain, bloodstained diarrhoea, weakness, elevated HR
• despite widespread presence of plant, poisoning rarely reported

Homeria spp. (Cape Tulips)

• apart from signs associated with cardiac glycosides can get gastroenteritis

Pimelea spp.

• early effects include chronic diarrhoea

Pennisetum clandistinum (Kikuyu)

• seen after drought with first flush of growth
• often January or February
• sometimes associated with fertilising
• cattle have ruminal stasis
• often have a thick clear nasal discharge
• dehydrated appearance with sunken eyes
• some may become recumbent on brisket
• some may stagger
• seek water but do not drink
• at necropsy ruminal contents extremely watery
• ruminal and omasal wall may show necrosis and reddening