Characterization of cardiac lesions in calves after ingestion of Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata).
J Vet Diagn Invest
; 25(4): 522-6, 2013 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23780931
ABSTRACT
Plants of the genus Taxus are common ornamental shrubs that contain cardiotoxic alkaloids. Gross lesions consistent with heart failure are frequently reported in fatal cases; however, microscopic lesions in the heart have not been well characterized. The current report describes 2 related outbreaks in which 7 of 30, 250-kg calves died after confirmed exposure to clippings of Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata). Three calves died 24 hr after initial exposure, with no significant gross or histologic lesions. Leaves of the yew plant were identified within the rumen contents, and Taxus alkaloids were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Following the initial diagnosis, the yew clippings were burned. Two days later, the remaining calves were reintroduced to the enclosure. Within 24 hr, 3 additional calves began to show clinical signs of depression (3/3) or labored breathing (1/3), and by the fourth day, these 3 calves and an additional calf were found dead. Partially burnt yew leaves were found during close inspection of the enclosure. Two of 3 calves submitted for necropsy were severely autolyzed; the third had pulmonary edema and mild fibrinous pleural effusion. Histologic lesions in the latter included multifocal cardiac myocyte hypereosinophilia, sarcolemma fragmentation, pyknosis, karyolysis, myocyte loss, and a mild interstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with edema. Moderate fibrinosuppurative interstitial pneumonia was the only other significant finding. Cardiac changes were attributed to damage from the initial exposure to Taxus 6 days prior to death.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Intoxicação por Plantas
/
Doenças dos Bovinos
/
Taxus
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Cardiopatias
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Vet Diagn Invest
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article