Kalanchoe rotundifolia

Abstract

DISTRIBUTION: • Grassland and bushveld. • To be found in the shade of trees and bushes, usually in sandy, limestone or brackish soil

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: An erect or straggling perennial succulent herb, growing up to 1 m high and usually sparsely branched. Occuring in colonies. Leaves: The blue-green leaves are elliptical to rounded with a whitish bloom. The margins can be scalloped or lobed and the tips rounded. Flowers: Star-shaped flowers are borne in a sparse branched inflorescence on a long stalk. Red to orange. All flower parts are in fours. March to December.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Cumulative neurotoxic bufadienolides

SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Central nervous 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: Not specific – rather negative.

TREATMENT: No treatment for krimpsiekte.