Cestrum parqui (green cestrum) poisoning in cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Toxicology
• Ruminant Pathology
• Plant-induced Toxicity

Background:

• Cestrum parqui is a toxic plant implicated in naturally occurring cattle poisonings.
• Clinical signs include ataxia, depression, convulsions, and death.
• Hepatic lesions are a consistent finding in affected animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical and pathological features of Cestrum parqui poisoning in cattle.
• To experimentally determine the toxic dose and effects of Cestrum parqui in cattle.
• To elucidate the primary target organ and mechanism of toxicity.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case observations of naturally poisoned cattle.
• Experimental intrarumenal administration of fresh Cestrum parqui to three cattle.
• Monitoring of clinical signs, biochemical parameters (plasma aspartate transaminase, prothrombin time), and post-mortem examination.

Main Results:

• Naturally occurring cases presented with ataxia, depression, recumbency, convulsions, and death.
• Experimental dosing at 30 g/kg bodyweight resulted in death within 48 hours.
• Lower doses (11 and 17 g/kg) caused transient mild intoxication; hepatic periacinar necrosis was the main lesion in all cases.

Conclusions:

• Cestrum parqui poisoning in cattle is characterized by neurological signs and significant hepatic damage.
• The primary effect of Cestrum parqui in cattle is hepatotoxicity.
• Experimental data supports the role of Cestrum parqui as a potent hepatotoxin in cattle.