Page 87 - Veterinary Toxicology, Basic and Clinical Principles, 3rd Edition

54 SECTION | I General

VetBooks.ir Plants mortality of wild birds in inland water systems worldwide
and two recent episodes have been reported in Spain in
Poisoning or suspected poisoning of companion animals
the Don ˜ana National Park (Lo ´pez-Rodas et al., 2008;
as a result of ingestion of plants is a relatively common
Guitart et al., 2010b).
occurrence and cats appear to be more sensitive and more
Although mycotoxicoses are commonly suspected,
at risk than dogs, presumably because they tend to chew
published reports of poisoning are scarce. Episodes
on plant leaves (Berny et al., 2010a). Often the cases are
involving different species like cattle, pigs, poultry and
related to accidental ingestion of ornamental plants rather
sheep have been recently reported in Belgium, the Czech
than wild plants, particularly at certain times of the year.
Republic, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and the United
Cats are generally more likely to be poisoned by house-
Kingdom (Sharpe and Livesey, 2005; Modra and
hold/ornamental plants and dogs are more at risk from
Svobodova, 2009; Obremsky and Zielonka, 2009; Guitart
wild plants (Giuliano Albo and Nebbia, 2004; Berny
et al., 2010a; Moyano et al., 2010; Vandenbroucke et al.,
et al., 2010a).
2010).
Liliaceae and Araceae are the two major plant fami-
A suspected case of poisoning with cantharidin of a
lies involved in the poisoning of companion animals in
great bustard (Otis tarda) after ingestion of several blister
France; oleander (Nerium oleander), castor bean (Ricinus
beetles of the species Berberomeloe majalis was reported
communis), and Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) cases
in Spain (Sa ´nchez-Barbudo et al., 2012a). Cases due to
are also frequently observed (Berny et al., 2010a).
venomous bites by viper (Vipera spp.), common toad
In Italy, ornamental plants such as dumbcane
(Bufo bufo), and pine caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityo-
(Dieffenbachia spp.), ficus (Ficus benjamina), pittosporo
campa) mostly involve dogs (Amorena et al., 2004;
(Pittosporum tobira), poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima),
Giuliano Albo and Nebbia, 2004; Berny et al., 2010a;
rhododendron (Rhododendrum hirsutum), sago palma
Lervick et al., 2010; Caloni et al., 2012; Niza et al.,
(Cycas revoluta), tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium), and jessa-
2012). Interestingly, the last insect is endemic in southern
mine (Jasminum officinale) have been involved in dog
European and Mediterranean pine forests but it is now
poisonings (Amorena et al., 2004; Giuliano Albo and
expanding northward because of global warming (Battisti
Nebbia, 2004; Berny et al., 2010a; Cortinovis and Caloni,
et al., 2005).
2013). In Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Italy black
locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), tansy ragwort (Senecio
jacobaea), and oleander have been responsible for horse CONCLUDING REMARKS AND FUTURE
poisoning outbreaks (Modra and Svobodova, 2009; Berny DIRECTIONS
et al., 2010a; Vandenbroucke et al., 2010). In addition,
European toxicoepidemiological data demonstrate that
horse poisoning resulting from European yew (Taxus
pesticides are the most common class of toxicants in all
baccata) exposure is very common in Belgium and
species. Poisoning in companion animals is a frequent
France (Berny et al., 2010a; Vandenbroucke et al., 2010).
problem and dogs are the most commonly poisoned spe-
Outbreaks of atypical myopathy in horses, a fatal pasture
cies, followed by cats and horses. In food-producing ani-
myopathy linked to maple seed (Acer pseudoplatanus and
mals information on poisoning is limited and fragmented
Acer negundo) ingestion (Paulussen et al., 2015) have
and occurs predominantly in cattle followed by sheep and
been recorded frequently in Europe (Votion et al., 2014).
goats. A small percentage of cases have also been
Although livestock poisoning by toxic plants is fre-
reported for poultry and pigs. Poisoning episodes in wild-
quent, these cases often remain only suspected, uncon-
life are widespread and present a major investigational
firmed by analytical diagnoses. Livestock are commonly
poisoned by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), problem for toxicology and forensic laboratories.
European yew, oak trees (Quercus spp.), and ragwort Knowledge of the common features of animal poisoning
(Senecio spp.) in many European countries (Guitart et al., is central to any endeavor to reduce mortality, and it is
2010a; Vandenbroucke et al., 2010; Plessers et al., 2013). therefore essential that coordinated and integrated efforts
be made between European countries for sharing
information.
Other Toxins
In the European Union, a number of different aquatic bird REFERENCES
species have been involved in outbreaks of botulism
Adam, F., Elliott, J., Dandrieux, J., et al., 2011. Zinc toxicity in two
(Guitart et al., 2010b). Botulism outbreaks in poultry, dogs associated with the ingestion of identification tags. Vet. Rec.
sheep, and cattle are fairly common too (Sharpe and 168, 84 85.
Livesey, 2005; Modra and Svobodova, 2009). Allen, K.J., 2010. Laryngeal paralysis secondary to lead toxicosis,
Cyanobacteria toxic blooms are the cause of mass Eq. Vet. Ed. 22, 182 186.