Morphological studies on experimental oleander poisoning in cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning is a known concern in both human and animal health.
• Understanding the pathological effects of oleander in livestock is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gross and microscopic pathological changes in cattle following oleander poisoning.
• To differentiate the effects of acute versus sub-chronic oleander toxicosis in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of minimum lethal doses (50 mg/kg) of oleander leaves to cattle.
• Comparison of lesions between cattle receiving a single dose and those receiving divided doses over 24-hour intervals.
• Gross examination and histopathological analysis of affected tissues.

Main Results:

• Single-dose oleander poisoning caused direct vascular endothelial damage, leading to hemorrhages, edema, and inflammation in lungs, heart, mesentery, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.
• Divided-dose exposure resulted in lesions consistent with chronic toxicity and tissue ischemia, including lung necrosis, cardiac fibromyolysis, intestinal villi damage, and liver parenchymal changes.
• Specific findings included disseminated intravascular coagulation in acute cases and mononuclear cell infiltration in chronic cases.

Conclusions:

• Oleander poisoning induces distinct pathological changes in cattle depending on the dosage regimen (acute vs. sub-chronic).
• The study highlights the widespread organ damage caused by oleander toxicosis, emphasizing its veterinary significance.