DISTRIBUTION:
An active invader, often in disturbed areas and over-grazed land. Most common on the western and southern edges of the Karoo.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
General: An erect, woody perennial shrub of ±1m high. Yellowish green to green and
aromatic.Stems are light yellow brown and smooth.
Leaves: The small linear leaves are opposite, flat and green, turning yellow with age.
Flowers:Tiny open inflorescences borne at the ends of branches are 3 - 10 cm long
with many small, greenish yellow flowers.
Spring - Summer.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Unknown liver toxin causes “waterpens”. Toxicity variable – difficult to induce experimentally.
SYNDROMES:
Waterpens
Hepatotoxic syndrome without photosensitization
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Liver.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
Chronic syndrome. Weight loss. Ascites pronounced – “waterpens”. Splashing may be heard with auscultation.
NECROPSY:
Macroscopical findings:
• Severe liver cirrhosis - uneven surface, grey blue - yellow brown in colour.
• Myocardial lesions on histopathology and CPFI increases.
• Althougth primarily hepatotoxic, heart is only affected later.
HISTOPATHOLOGY:
• Centrilobular bridging fibrosis.
TREATMENT:
Liver supportive therapy for valuable animals. Provide good feed.
