Ornithogalum species
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Date
Authors
Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)
Venter, Elna
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Abstract
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.
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.
Description
Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG. Photo 1: 9.82 kb, 96 ppi; Photo 2: 37.1 kb, 72 ppi; Photo 3: 49.5 kb, 96 ppi; Photo 4: 24.2 kb, 96 ppi; Photo 5: 9.03 kb, 180 ppi; Photo 6: 10.5 kb, 72 ppi. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.
Keywords
Plant poisoning, Toxicology, Plant poisoning in animals, Poisonous plants, Diarrhoea, Cholestane, Glycosides
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Citation
Botha, CJ & Venter, E 2002, 'Plants poisonous to livestock Southern Africa (CD-ROM)' University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pretoria, South Africa.