Intoxication of cattle by the fruits of Melia azedarach

Melia azedarach fruits were administered at single doses ranging from 5 to 30 g/kg bw to 10 calves. The animals dosed with 25 g/kg bw and 30 g/ kg bw died, as well as 1/2 cattle that received 15 g/kg bw. Clinical signs were depression, ruminal stasis, anorexia, diarrhea, incoordination, muscle tremors, difficulty to stand, sternal recumbence, hypothermia and dyspnea. Serum AST and CPK were increased. Signs appeared 4 to 24 h after dosing and the clinical manifestations continued for 20 to 72 h. Macroscopic findings included congestion of the intestine, focal or diffuseyellow discoloration of the liver, and brain congestion. LiQuid content was in rumen, reticulum and intestines. The liver had swollen and vacuolated hepatocytes, and necrotic hepatocytes were scattered throughout the parenchyma or concentrated in the periacinar zone. Degenerative and necrotic changes were in the epithelium of the forestomachs. There was also necrosis of lymphoid tissue. Skeletal muscles had hyaline degeneration and fiber necrosis.