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Datura seed intoxication in two horses
1Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|July 1, 1998
Summary
Datura seeds in sunflower feed caused severe poisoning in two horses, leading to one death from gastric rupture and the other
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Equine Medicine
- Plant Poisoning
Background:
- Sunflower-based feed supplements are common in equine diets.
- Contamination of feed with toxic plant seeds can pose significant health risks to livestock.
Observation:
- Two horses exhibited severe poisoning signs after consuming sunflower feed.
- The feed was grossly contaminated with Datura sp. seeds.
- Clinical signs included acute gastric dilatation, rupture, and paralytic ileus.
Findings:
- Post-mortem examination confirmed Datura sp. seeds in the feed and gastrointestinal contents.
- Pathological findings were consistent with intoxication by parasympatholytic alkaloids from Datura sp.
- One horse experienced peracute death, while the other required euthanasia due to unresponsive ileus.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for rigorous feed quality control to prevent accidental livestock poisoning.
- Underscores the potent toxicity of Datura sp. in horses, even at relatively low levels of contamination.
- Emphasizes the importance of identifying and removing toxic plant seeds from animal feed sources.