DISTRIBUTION:
Various Ornithogalum spp. occur throughout the country. Also cultivated in gardens.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:
Bulbous plants with few leathery strap-shaped leaves and white flowers carried in long-stemmed inflorescences.
TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Cholestane glycosides, which have steroidal structures, have been isolated. Extremely toxic.
SYNDROMES:
Diarrhoea.
SYSTEMS AFFECTED:
Gastro-intestinal system.
CLINICAL SIGNS:
Latent period of 24 hours or longer, - anorexia, - depression (drowsy). Severe, persistent, atery diarrhoea (lasting up to 3 weeks). In cattle temporary (up to 8 weeks) or permanent blindness or amaurosis occurs 10 – 14 days later. Peracute deaths may occur.
NECROPSY:
A catarrhal to haemorrhagic enteritis is the most dominant finding.
TREATMENT:
Symptomatic and supportive. Activated charcoal – some success. Fluids / electrolyte replacement.
