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Cestrum diurnum poisoning in Florida cattle
The Cornell Veterinarian
|October 1, 1975
Summary
Cestrum diurnum poisoning in bulls causes severe bone disease (osteopetrosis) and soft tissue calcification. The plant’s active factor may mimic vitamin D, impacting bone metabolism and leading to osteonecrosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cestrum diurnum (day cestrum) is a plant known to cause hypercalcemia and calcinosis in livestock.
- Vitamin D3 metabolites play a crucial role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis and bone remodeling.
Observation:
- A bull exhibited chronic wasting, progressive lameness, and prolonged hypercalcemia.
- Necropsy revealed severe osteopetrosis characterized by retarded osteocytic osteolysis and chondrolysis, C-cell hyperplasia, and soft tissue calcinosis.
- Kidneys and lungs were spared from calcification, while tendons, ligaments, arteries, and veins were affected.
Findings:
- The severe osteopetrosis suggests hypercalcitoninism secondary to C-cell hyperplasia.
- Osteonecrosis was observed, potentially due to the direct action of the Cestrum diurnum factor.
- The plant's toxic factor exhibits properties similar to 1,25-dihydroxy-cholecalciferol, the active form of vitamin D3.
Implications:
- Cestrum diurnum poisoning significantly disrupts bone metabolism, leading to debilitating skeletal and vascular conditions.
- Understanding the mechanism of action of the Cestrum diurnum factor is crucial for diagnosing and managing plant-induced toxicities.
- This case highlights the complex interplay between plant toxins, vitamin D metabolism, and bone pathology in cattle.