Tylecodon species

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: • T. wallichii grows in the dry areas of the south-western Cape on sandy or stony soils lower down on the slopes of mountains and hills, whereas • T. grandiflorus only grows in the winter rainfall area of the Cape where it can be found on the western slopes of mountains of the Cape Peninsula and northwards along the coast to Clanwilliam.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: Succulent to semi-succulent deciduous plants. Leaves: Succulent leaves which leave woody, protuberant scars when they die down and fall off. Flowers: 5-merous. Produced after the leaves have fallen off. T. wallichii flowers December - January, T. grandiflorus flowers January - March.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Cumulative neurotoxic bufadienolides such a cotyledoside

SYNDROME: Krimpsiekte – cumulative bufadienolides

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Cardiovascular system.

CLINICAL SIGNS: • Krimpsiekte is basically a paretic syndrome. • Affected animals lag behind the flock. • When forced to move, they tire easily and lie down or stand trembling, typically with the feet together, the back arched and the head low. • The neck may be twisted and the head may dangle loosely as the animal walks. • The incidence of krimpsiekte is highest in goats, then in sheep.

NECROPSY: Macroscopic pathology: Nothing specific Histopathology: Thalamic vacuolisation has been reported with krimpsiekte.

TREATMENT: • No specific treatment for krimpsiekte. • Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. • Stock may recover with good nursing care.