Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Goat showing weight loss and tremors from honey mesquite poisoning
By Washburn, Kevin E et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2002·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Honey mesquite toxicosis in a goat.
- Species:
- goat
Plain-English summary
A goat was brought in with symptoms like weight loss, drooling, tremors, and difficulty swallowing after eating honey mesquite leaves, which can be toxic to them. The veterinarian diagnosed mesquite toxicosis based on the goat's history and symptoms. Treatment involved switching to a safer diet and providing supportive care. Unfortunately, this condition has a high risk of death in goats, making it a serious concern for owners.
People also search for: goat weight loss drooling · honey mesquite toxicity in goats · goat tremors treatment
Abstract
Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) is distributed across a large portion of the southwestern United States. Ingestion of young leaves, pods, or beans can cause toxicosis in cattle and goats if they comprise a substantial portion of their diet. Goats, as browsers, are most likely to develolp mesquite toxicosis. Sheep appear to be more resistant to the plant's toxic effects. Consistent clinical signs include weight loss, ptyalism, mandibular tremors, tongue protrusion, and dysphagia. Diagnosis of mesquite toxicosis is largely made on the basis of history and clinical signs with exclusion of appropriate differentials. Laboratory findings are nonspecific but may reveal a mild anemia and hypoglycemia. Postmortem findings suggestive of mesquite toxicosis are limited to fine vacuolation of neurons in the trigeminal motor nucleus. Treatment consists of an alternative diet and supportive care. The disease is treatable in cattle and sheep but has a high case fatality rate in goats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12092960/