Studies of the toxicity of Gnidia latifolia Meisn in cattle

Abstract

Twelve calves were drenched with ground leaves of Gnidia latifolia (Thymelaeaceae) and their responses studied. Signs of clinical intoxication were observed in all the treated animals and the intensity of the signs depended on the amount of material fed. Animals receiving high doses (1-2 g/kg body weight) showed acute toxicity with signs of depression, inappetence, nasal and ocular discharges. Some animals developed diarrhoea. Acute abdominal pain, uneasiness, elevated pulse and respiratory rates were observed. Animals with chronic signs of poisoning had pronounced loss of body condition, loss of hair, diarrhoea and submandibular oedema. Post-mortem changes in the acutely intoxicated calves included petechial haemorrhages of the epicardium and the submucosa of the rumen, abomasum and the intestines. The chronic cases showed a generalized emaciation with gelatinous atrophy of the body fat and accumulation of excess fluid in the body cavities. Haematological examinations revealed a significant drop in leukocyte counts due to lymphocytic cell depletion.