Page 947 - Veterinary Toxicology, Basic and Clinical Principles, 3rd Edition

Poisonous Plants of the Europe Chapter | 62 899

VetBooks.ir DATURA STRAMONIUM (SOLANACEAE overextended. In horses the incidence is rare, however the
symptoms are anorexia, depression, narcosis, tachycardia,
FAMILY)
tachypnea, mydriasis, polyuria and polydipsia (Lorgue
Common Name: Datura, Jimson Weed, False
Castor Oil Plant, Stramonium, Spiny Apple, et al., 1996).
or Mad Apple EQUISETUM SPP. (HORSETAIL FAMILY)
A coarse, foul-smelling, glabrous annual, with green or Common Names: Horsetail, Monkey Grass,
purple-tinged stems. Leaves alternate, and are coarsely Snake Grass, Scouting Rush
and irregularly toothed. Leaves are ovate in outline, but
coarsely toothed. Datura stramonium contains flowers are Plants of Equisetum species are generally found in wetter
large, white to lavender in color, long and funnel (“tubu- portions of a field. often moves into fields from drainage
lar”) form. Fruit are distinctive round, erect, dry, spiny ditches or creeks along the fields’ edges. Well maintained
capsules, with many black brown seeds. This plant is a pastures can compete with horsetail, and moving can sup-
greater problem in row crop agriculture than pastures. press growth. Parts of the plant sometimes find their way
However, it is occasionally found in neglected or unused into baled hay. This weed most often affects horses, but
pastures; is abundant in fertile fields, gardens, and barn equisetosis (the condition horsetail causes) typically
lots. There are rare incidences when animals ingest fresh occurs only after prolonged feeding.
plants because of the unpleasant odor (most animals avoid Grows in colonies that appear like green straws. Its
it). stems are hollow, can be separated into segments, and are
One quick identifier is to rub the leaves, then smell rough to the touch. Its leaves are scale-like and inconspic-
your fingers. Jimson weed’s unique scent makes it easy to uous. There are two primary stem types: one is a repro-
confirm identification. Jimson weed can grow up to five ductive stem that generally does not branch, the other is a
feet tall. Its stems are green to purple. Leaves are ovate in vegetative stem that has smaller stems radiating from the
outline, but coarsely toothed. Flowers are tubular and segmented stem.
white or violet. The fruit is a capsule armed with prickles.
Toxicity
Toxicity Clinical Presentation
The toxic principles of this common hog lot and barnyard Poisoning from prolonged horsetail feeding can lead to
plant are the alkaloids atropine, L-hyoscyamine, and sco- breathing and heart problems as well as digestive pro-
polamine (hyoscine). All parts of the plant, including seeds, blems. In some cases, animals may have convulsions.
are considered poisonous, whether green or dry. However, Young animals are more susceptible than older ones.
the seeds are particularly poisonous. Usually, this plant is
not eaten except when other forage is unavailable. Cattle
and swine are primarily affected, but horses, poultry, dogs, GALEGA OFFICINALIS L (PAPILIONACEAE
and humans have been affected. The toxin is not destroyed FAMILY)
by drying. Plants may also take up nitrates.
Common Name: Goat’s Rue

Clinical Presentation Galega officinalis is a perennial European legume with a
lush alfalfa-like appearance in early growth, but it
Symptoms can appear quickly. Early symptoms include a
becomes very rank when mature. It is a perennial herba-
weak and rapid pulse and heartbeat, widely dilated eyes,
ceous plant with a hollow stem and elliptical or lanceolate
and dryness of mouth and other mucous membranes. As
leaves. The flowers are light blue to violet in color. The
the pulse increases, respiration can slow. Animals can
plant is unpalatable to livestock, particularly when
appear blind and develop digestive problems such as nau-
mature, and its use as forage is advocated only for very
sea and diarrhea. Later symptoms include slow breathing,
young plants.
lowered temperature, convulsions, or coma. After eating
the plants, sheep may have abnormal leg movements, dis-
turbed vision, and intense thirst; they may bite at imagi- Toxicity
nary objects in the air. Pupils will often dilate. Pregnant This leguminous plant contains two nitrogen guanidine
sows consuming D. stramonium during their second and components, galegin (isoamylene guanidine) and hydro-
third months of gestation have produced deformed pigs. xygalegine, that are present in all parts during flowering
Some pigs may be born alive but exhibit varying degrees and fruit formation. These substances have pharmacologi-
of flexed hips, stifles, and forelegs. The hocks may be cal properties as hypoglycemic and galactogenic agents.