Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)Venter, ElnaUniversity of Pretoria. Faculty of Veterinary Science. Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences. Section Pharmacology and Toxicology2008-12-182008-12-182002Botha, 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.http://hdl.handle.net/2263/8459Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG, 72 ppi. Photo 1: 18.5 kb, 72 ppi; Photo 2: 33.5 kb, 96 ppi; Photo 3: 9.12 kb, 72 ppi; Photo 4: 34.6 kb, 96 ppi. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.DISTRIBUTION: Widely-spread, to be found along roadsides, old cultivated lands, etc. all across the country.BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: The larvae of the African monarch butterfly feed on this plant. General: This is an erect, sparsely branched perennial shrub that can grow up to 2m tall and all parts contain milky latex. Leaves: The thick leathery leaves are glossy dark green above and paler below. They are hairless and often tinged red. The petioles are often also reddish. Opposite, sometimes alternate with entire margins. Flowers: Dense clusters of cream to yellow drooping flowers. October - April. Fruit: The fruit is a balloon-like structure with long hair-like growths hanging from it. It contains many black seeds, which have plumes with long silky hairs.TOXIC PRINCIPLE: Poisonous cardenolide cardiac glycosides have been isolated from Gomphocarpus fruticosa.SYNDROME: Acute poisoning by cardenolide-containing plants (Also refer to Tulp Poisoning)SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Cardiovascular system.CLINICAL SIGNS: • Paralysis • Breathing difficulties • Quick, but weak heartbeatNECROPSY:Macroscopic pathology: • Not specific - rather negative • Subepi- and endocardial haemorrhages • Lung oedema, congestion, emphysema • Ruminal atony and enteritis - even haemorrhagic • Leaves present in rumenHISTOPATHOLOGY: In more chronic cases small foci of degeneration of cardiac musculature are seen occasionallyTREATMENT: • Activated charcoal is very effective • Dose 2g/kg • Large dose is essential • Adsorption • Even retro-diffusion from plasma • Adsorption and fixation of excess in rumen • Minimize stress to prevent catecholamine release Additional treatment for valuable animals: • Lignocaine • ß-blocking agents • ACP: Tranquillizer (multipotent blocker) • Atropine (if AV-block is present)©University of Pretoria. Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology (Original and digital). Provided for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the original copyright holder. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of copyright laws and is subject to criminal prosecution. Please contact the collection administrator for copyright issues.Plant poisoningToxicologyPlant poisoning in animalsPoisonous plantsCardiac glycosidesPoisonous plants -- Toxicology -- Africa, SouthernVeterinary toxicologyStill Image