Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Goats showing disorientation and muscle twitching after eating Vestia
By McKeough, V-L et al.·Published in New Zealand veterinary journal·2005·New Zealand Food Safety Authority Verification Agency·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Suspected Vestia foetida poisoning in young goats.
- Species:
- goat
Plain-English summary
Two young goats, a 5-month-old and an 8-month-old, were brought in after eating a toxic plant called Vestia foetida. They showed signs of being disoriented, had dilated pupils, and were having trouble standing. The older goat was treated with vitamins and a sedative called diazepam and made a full recovery, but sadly, the younger goat did not survive and was found to have severe liver damage. This case highlights the dangers of this plant, which is becoming more common in New Zealand, and the importance of recognizing its toxicity in goats.
People also search for: goat plant poisoning symptoms · Vestia foetida toxicity in goats · treatment for goat liver damage
Abstract
CASE HISTORY: Two crossbred, castrated male goats, a 5-month-old and an 8-month-old, were observed ingesting Vestia foetida (Solanaceae). Later, the goats were seen standing splay-legged and apparently disoriented. CLINICAL FINDINGS: When examined, both goats were in sternal recumbency and had mydriasis; the younger goat had a diminished menace response. When the goats were made to stand, they were ataxic and had muscle fasciculations of the hindquarters and face. Both had halitosis consistent with the odour of crushed Vestia leaves. The animals were treated with a mixture of vitamins and intravenous diazepam. The older goat recovered but the younger goat died and was necropsied. This animal had severe periacinar necrosis and fatty change in the liver, as well as fatty nephrosis. DIAGNOSIS: Probable Vestia foetida poisoning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The introduction of Vestia foetida to New Zealand and the apparent palatability of the plant necessitate that veterinarians and owners be knowledgeable about its potential toxicity. Differential diagnoses for the liver lesions (in New Zealand) would include Cestrum poisoning, acute seneciosis, acute blue-green algal poisoning, and acute and chronic copper poisoning.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16220131/