Toxicity in goats caused by oleander (Nerium oleander)

Poisoning by Nerium oleander L. in Franconia Geese

This study describes the acute poisoning of four 3-month-old Franconia geese (Anser anser) by oleander plants (Nerium oleander). After the accidental ingestion of oleander clippings, the geese exhibited a rapid onset of severe symptoms, leading to mortality within 15-90 min. Necropsy revealed cardiac and renal lesions. Specifically, interstitial edema, red blood cell infiltration, and myofibril loss were observed in the cardiac muscle, and tubular epithelial degeneration, interstitial edema, and hemorrhages were evident in the kidneys. Oleandrin, a glycoside with cardiac effects, was detected in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. The clinical implications underscore the urgency of veterinary intervention upon oleander ingestion, and the specific findings contribute valuable insights into the pathological effects of acute oleander poisoning in geese, aiding veterinarians in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Detection of Highly Poisonous Nerium oleander Using Quantitative Real-Time PCR with Specific Primers

Nerium oleander is one of the most poisonous plants, and its accidental ingestion has frequently occurred in humans and livestock. It is vital to develop a rapid and accurate identification method for the timely rescue of oleander-poisoned patients and the investigation of poisoning cases. In this study, a specific and highly sensitive quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)-based method was developed to identify oleander in mixture systems and simulated forensic specimens (SFS). First, a new pair of oleander-specific primers, JZT-BF/BR, was designed and validated. Then, a qPCR method was developed using the primers, and its detective sensitivity was examined. The results showed that JZT-BF/BR could specifically identify oleander in forage and food mixtures, and qPCR was capable of accurate authentication even at a low DNA concentration of 0.001 ng/μL. This method was further applied to the analysis of SFS containing different ratios of N. oleander. The method was confirmed to be applicable to digested samples, and the detection limit reached 0.1% (w/w) oleander in mixture systems. Thus, this study undoubtedly provides strong support for the detection of highly toxic oleander and the diagnosis of food poisoning in humans and animals.

Renal Lesions in Horses with Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning

A presumptive postmortem diagnosis of oleander (Nerium oleander) poisoning is made based on the histological observation of cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrosis, which is considered to be a reliable diagnostic marker, and can be confirmed via the detection of oleandrin in tissues or fluids. However, cardiac lesions may not be present in every case, and autolysis can often preclude the identification of subtle changes in the cardiomyocytes. Several studies of experimental oleander poisoning have noted the presence of renal lesions in multiple mammalian species, and case studies of accidental exposure have found similar, although more variably severe, renal abnormalities. Kidney pathology in horses with oleander poisoning has been only briefly mentioned. In this study, we reviewed 21 cases of spontaneous oleander poisoning in horses, evaluated the kidneys microscopically, and compared the renal microscopic lesions with those detected in 10 horses that died or were euthanized due to other causes to assess if histological renal changes could serve as an additional diagnostic marker for oleander poisoning in horses. We found that microscopic renal lesions, principally mild to moderate tubular changes such as hyaline cast formation, neutrophilic casts, epithelial attenuation and necrosis, as well as mineralization and congestion, occur in horses with oleander poisoning. Most of these changes match the descriptions of lesions previously noted in other species, although with less frequency and severity. Similar lesions were found in horses that died spontaneously due to different causes or were euthanized. We concluded that microscopic renal lesions may be detected in horses with oleander poisoning but they cannot be used as a diagnostic marker that allows differentiation from other disease processes or causes of death.

Oleandrin: A Systematic Review of its Natural Sources, Structural Properties, Detection Methods, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology

Oleandrin is a highly lipid-soluble cardiac glycoside isolated from the plant Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) and is used as a traditional herbal medicine due to its excellent pharmacological properties. It is widely applied for various disease treatments, such as congestive heart failure. Recently, oleandrin has attracted widespread attention due to its extensive anti-cancer and novel anti-viral effects. However, oleandrin has a narrow therapeutic window and exhibits various toxicities, especially typical cardiotoxicity, which is often fatal. This severe toxicity and low polarity have significantly hindered its application in the clinic. This review describes natural sources, structural properties, and detection methods of oleandrin. Based on reported poisoning cases and sporadic animal experiments, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of oleandrin are summarized, so as to infer some possible phenomena, such as enterohepatic circulation. Moreover, the relevant factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of oleandrin are analyzed, and some research approaches that may ameliorate the pharmacokinetic behavior of oleandrin are proposed. With the toxicology of oleandrin being thoroughly reviewed, the development of safe clinical applications of oleandrin may be possible given potential research strategies to decrease toxicity.

The Biodiversity of Edible Flowers: Discovering New Tastes and New Health Benefits

Floriculture and horticulture have always been two parallel and very distinct agronomic realities. Floriculture is concerned with meeting the ornamental needs of our urban ecosystems, while horticulture is based on meeting food requirements. These two activities have now converged toward a food chain where flowers are conceived of as a sort of "new vegetable" and one of the most promising novelties to satisfy the growing need for food innovation both in terms of an organoleptic and nutraceutical profile. This novelty has rapidly evolved, especially following the growing scientific evidence of the human health benefits of flowers used as food. The typically high pigment concentration of the corollas (especially flavonoids and carotenoids), which have evolved to chromatically attract pollinators, indicates a marked nutraceutical activity especially in terms of antioxidant power. In this review, we first attempted to explore which species are most promising and which should be avoided due to real or suspected toxicity problems. The nutraceutical virtues were therefore highlighted trying to focus attention on those "functional phytochemicals" capable of counteracting some specific human pathologies. Furthermore, the organoleptic profile of edible flowers was investigated since this is one of the least known aspects. The cropping systems suitable for their cultivation were therefore hypothesized and finally the criticalities of edible flowers were addressed in terms of shelf life and marketing opportunities.

Digoxin-specific antibody fragments for the treatment of suspected Nerium oleander toxicosis in a cat

Case summary

A 6-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy and gastrointestinal signs after possible exposure to Nerium oleander leaves. The cat developed a ventricular arrhythmia that responded positively to the administration of digoxin-specific antibody fragments. Underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was also diagnosed after the development of congestive heart failure. Humane euthanasia was elected owing to a lack of significant response to continued therapy.

Relevance and novel information

To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments in a cat. Nerium oleander toxicosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and digoxin-specific antibody fragments have been used effectively in humans and animals. The development of cardiac necrosis may have contributed to worsening arrhythmias and highlights the importance of early intervention. The use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments for suspected N oleander toxicosis in a cat resulted in a rapid response and appeared to be well tolerated.

Outbreak of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning in Dairy Cattle: Clinical and Food Safety Implications

Oleander is a spontaneous shrub widely occurring in Mediterranean regions. Poisoning is sporadically reported in livestock, mainly due to the ingestion of leaves containing toxic cardiac glycosides (primarily oleandrin). In this study, 50 lactating Fleckvieh cows were affected after being offered a diet containing dry oleander pruning wastes accidentally mixed with fodder. Clinical examination, electrocardiogram, and blood sampling were conducted. Dead animals were necropsied, and heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine were submitted to histological investigation. Oleandrin detection was performed through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in blood, serum, liver, heart, milk, and cheese samples. Severe depression, anorexia, ruminal atony, diarrhea, serous nasal discharge, tachycardia, and irregular heartbeat were the most common clinical signs. The first animal died within 48 h, and a total of 13 cows died in 4 days. Disseminated hyperemia and hemorrhages, multifocal coagulative necrosis of the cardiac muscle fibers, and severe and diffuse enteritis were suggestive of oleander poisoning. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of oleandrin in serum, liver, heart, milk, and cheese. Our results confirm the high toxicity of oleander in cattle and report for the first time the transfer into milk and dairy products, suggesting a potential risk for the consumers.

Comparative Cardiotoxicity of Low Doses of Digoxin, Ouabain, and Oleandrin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative effects of CGs on heart physiology. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 7), control group received NaCl 0.9% every 24 h for 21 days; treated groups received respectively 50 μg/kg of digoxin (DIG), ouabain (OUA) and oleandrin (OLE) every 24 h for 21 days. Serial ECGs were performed, as well as serum levels of creatinine kinase (CK), its MB fraction, troponin I (cTnI), calcium (Ca²⁺) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Heart tissue was processed for histology, scanning electron microscopy and Western blot analysis for cTnI, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), sodium potassium pump alpha-1 and alpha-2. Ventricle samples were also analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPX, and CAT). ECGs showed decrease in QT and progressive shortening of QRS. No arrhythmias were observed. No significant differences were associated with CGs treatment and serum levels of CK, CK-MB, and cTnI. Only oleandrin increased LDH levels. Histological analysis showed degenerative changes and only oleandrin promoted moderate focal necrosis of cardiomyocytes. Scanning microscopy also confirmed the greatest effect of oleandrin, with rupture and shortening of cardiac fibers. The expression of troponin I and alpha-1 isoform were not altered, however, the protein levels of BNP and alpha-2 were higher in the groups that received oleandrin and ouabain in relation to the digoxin group. All GCs affected the production of ROS, without causing lipid peroxidation, through the activation of different antioxidant pathways. It is concluded that the administration of digoxin, ouabain, and oleandrin at 50 µg/kg for 21 days caused cardiovascular damage that represent an important limitation into its future use in heart failure and antineoplastic therapy.

Subacute Toxicity of Nerium oleander Ethanolic Extract in Mice

Nerium oleander (N. oleander) is a well-known poisonous shrub that is frequently grown in gardens and public areas and contains numerous toxic compounds. The major toxic components are the cardiac glycosides oleandrin and neriin. The aim of our study was to evaluate the toxic effects of an ethanolic N. oleander leaf extract on haematological, cardiac, inflammatory, and serum biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological changes in the heart. N. oleander extract was orally administered for 14 and 30 consecutive days at doses of 100 and 200 mg of dried extract/kg of body weight in 0.5 mL of saline. The results showed significant increases in mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, interleukins (IL-1 and IL-6), tumour necrosis factor alpha, C reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and creatine kinase MB, especially at high doses. Marked pathological changes were perceived in the heart tissue. Thus, it can be concluded that exposure to N. oleander leaf extract adversely affects the heart and liver.

New Indices for Ethnotoxicological Assessment of Medicinal Plants: Example of Tafilalet Region, Morocco

Background:

Several botanical species are poisonous and are used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. In fact, a relationship between toxicity and phytotherapeutic potential of medicinal plants exists.

Objective:

Until now, there is no ethnopharmacological indices evaluating mathematically the toxic property of any medicinal plant used traditionally. Consequently, it is important to find this link through the establishment and development of novel indices that put into consideration the relationship between toxicity and phytotherapy. Two essential objectives were targeted in the present investigation: firstly, we aimed to establish novel indices which permit researchers to evaluate data obtained in any ethnobotanical survey targeting toxic plants. Secondly, we aimed also to collect data and information about toxic species, mainly those used traditionally for therapeutic purposes in the region of Tafilalet (southeast of Morocco).

Methods:

The total informant interviewed in our study was 1616 (where 1500 were simple local inhabitants and 116 were herbalists). This inquiry was carried out through semi-structured and structured interviews and the sampling technique used was the stratified sample (9 stratums). Data obtained was analyzed using 3 new indices: Degree of Taxonomic Toxicity (DT), Degree of Botanical Families Toxicity (DFT) and Relative Link of Toxicity (RLT).

Results:

47 toxic species belonging to 38 botanical families were quoted in our survey. The highest value of DT was observed for Atractylis gummifera L. (DT=24.67). According to the calculated value of DFT, the most toxic plant family in the region of Tafilalet was Asteraceae (DFT=143.90). Nervous system disorders are the main ailment caused by the toxicity of poisonous species used in the traditional medicine in Tafilalet (RLT=1.44).

Conclusion:

Novel indices established in this investigation (DT, DFT and RLT) have been demonstrated to be useful for interpreting data collected in Tafilalet region and could serve for other ethnopharmacological surveys of toxic medicinal plants.

A review of cardiac glycosides: Structure, toxicokinetics, clinical signs, diagnosis and antineoplastic potential

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are secondary compounds found in plants and amphibians and are widely distributed in nature with potential cardiovascular action. Their mechanism is based on the blockage of the heart's sodium potassium ATPase, with a positive inotropic effect. Some of the most well-known CGs are digoxin, ouabain, oleandrin, and bufalin. They have similar chemical structures: a lactone ring, steroid ring, and sugar moiety. Digoxin, ouabain, and oleandrin are classified as cardenolides, consisting of a lactone ring with five carbons, while bufalin is classified as bufodienolides, with a six-carbon ring. Small structural differences determine variations in the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of such substances. Most case reports of poisoning caused by CGs are associated with cardiovascular toxicity, causing a variety of arrhythmias and lesions in the heart tissue. Experimental studies also describe important similarities among different CGs, especially regarding species sensitivity. Recent studies furthermore focus on their antineoplastic potential, with controversial results. Data from research studies and case reports were reviewed to identify the main characteristics of the CGs, including toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics, clinical signs, electrocardiographic, pathological findings, antineoplastic potential and the main techniques used for diagnostic purposes.

Profile on medicinal plants used by the people of North Eastern Morocco: Toxicity concerns

In the North Eastern region of Morocco, many people are interested in medicinal plants and their uses. However, the rationale for the utilization of medicinal plants has remained largely underestimated with little or no scientific data on plant safety. In this paper we attempt to describe and establish a detailed list of current knowledge in relation to the toxicity of these plants and to evaluate the scientific data concerning the harmful effects of the selected natural products. Our approach consists of collecting published data from literature in specialized journals, books and website related to the toxic plants. This research revealed that 89 plant species, retrieved from 287 plants used as medicine in the North-Eastern region of Morocco, are considered toxic or present some kind of toxicity. Our data determines 55 compounds isolated from the plants which are dominated by five groups of toxic compounds: alkaloids followed by glucosides, terpenoids, protides and phenolics. The present work discusses toxicity-related issues arising from the use of medicinal plants by local people. We conclude that the database considered in this study could serve as an important source of information on the toxicity of medicinal plants used by this society.

Inventory of Toxic Plants in Morocco: An Overview of the Botanical, Biogeography, and Phytochemistry Studies

Since they are natural, plants are wrongly considered nondangerous; therefore people used them in various contexts. Each plant is used alone or in mixture with others, where knowledge and the requirements of preparation and consumption are not mastered. Thus, intoxications due to the use of plants have become more and more frequent. The reports of intoxications made at the Antipoison Center and Pharmacovigilance of Morocco (ACPM) support this finding, since the interrogations suffered by the victims show that the use of plants is practiced irrationally, anarchically, and uncontrollably. Faced by the increase of these cases of poisoning in Morocco, it seemed necessary to investigate the nature of poisonous plants, their monographs, and the chemicals responsible for this toxicity.

Study of troponin, creatine kinase biomarkers, and histopathological lesions in experimental Nerium oleander toxicity in rats and mice

Introduction

Nerium oleander is a plant of the Apocynaceae family toxic to humans, animals, and insects. This study was performed to determine the cardiac and neurotoxicity of the plant extract by oral administration in Wistar rats and Balb/c mice and to compare the susceptibility of these animal models to oleander toxicity.

Material and Methods

Four groups of eight mice and eight rats received N. oleander extract orally while a fifth group was the control. Serum concentrations of the biochemical toxicity indicators, namely troponin and creatine kinase (CK), were determined and histopathological evaluation of the heart and brain was performed.

Results

In mice, CK and troponin concentrations were respectively 1.5 and 7 times higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), while in rats, they were 6–7 and 11 times higher. Hyperaemia, haemorrhage, and myofibrolysis, without infiltration of inflammatory cells, were observed in the heart. In the brain the authors observed hyperaemia associated with perivascular and perineuronal oedema, and in higher-dosed rats multifocal haemorrhagic and liquefactive necrotic lesions.

Conclusion

Oleander can affect serum levels of CK and troponin due to nervous and cardiac injuries. Rats showed more severe changes in the biochemical indicators and histopathological lesions than mice. Therefore, biochemical and pathological findings indicate that Wistar rats are more susceptible to the cardiac toxicity and neurotoxicity effects of N. oleander poisoning than Balb/c mice.

Study of Troponin, Creatine Kinase Biomarkers, and Histopathological Lesions in Experimental Nerium Oleander Toxicity in Rats and Mice

INTRODUCTION

Nerium oleander is a plant of the Apocynaceae family toxic to humans, animals, and insects. This study was performed to determine the cardiac and neurotoxicity of the plant extract by oral administration in Wistar rats and Balb/c mice and to compare the susceptibility of these animal models to oleander toxicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four groups of eight mice and eight rats received N. oleander extract orally while a fifth group was the control. Serum concentrations of the biochemical toxicity indicators, namely troponin and creatine kinase (CK), were determined and histopathological evaluation of the heart and brain was performed.

RESULTS

In mice, CK and troponin concentrations were respectively 1.5 and 7 times higher than in the control group (P < 0.05), while in rats, they were 6-7 and 11 times higher. Hyperaemia, haemorrhage, and myofibrolysis, without infiltration of inflammatory cells, were observed in the heart. In the brain the authors observed hyperaemia associated with perivascular and perineuronal oedema, and in higher-dosed rats multifocal haemorrhagic and liquefactive necrotic lesions.

CONCLUSION

Oleander can affect serum levels of CK and troponin due to nervous and cardiac injuries. Rats showed more severe changes in the biochemical indicators and histopathological lesions than mice. Therefore, biochemical and pathological findings indicate that Wistar rats are more susceptible to the cardiac toxicity and neurotoxicity effects of N. oleander poisoning than Balb/c mice.

Successful use of digoxin-specific immune Fab in the treatment of severe Nerium oleander toxicosis in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case in which digoxin-specific immune Fab was used successfully in a dog with severe oleander toxicosis secondary to ingesting plant material.

CASE SUMMARY

A 6-year-old intact female Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed breed dog was presented for severe oleander toxicosis and was refractory to all antiarrhythmic therapies and supportive care. Digoxin-specific immune Fab was successful in treating this dog. The dog recovered but suffered ischemic injuries, the long-term effects of which are unknown.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This report describes the successful use of digoxin-specific immune Fab in the treatment of oleander toxicosis in a dog, which has not previously been published in veterinary literature. Oleander poisoning can be associated with permanent cardiac arrhythmias due to the ischemic damage.

Clinical and pathological features of Nerium oleander extract toxicosis in wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Nerium oleander has been widely studied for medicinal purposes for variety of maladies. N. oleander has also been reported having noxious effects because of its number of components that may show signs of toxicity by inhibiting plasma lemma Na+, K+-ATPase. The present study was performed to scrutinize the toxic effect of N. oleander leaves extract and its clinical and pathological features in wistar rats.

RESULTS

Hematological analysis showed significant variations in RBCs count (P = 0.01), Hb (P = 0.001), Hct (P = 0.0003), MCV (P = 0.013), lymphocyte count (P = 0.015), neutrophil count (P = 0.003), monocyte count (P = 0.012) and eosinophil count (P = 0.006). Histopathological studies have shown that in T1 group noticeable infiltration of inflammatory cells was found with low level of vascular damage. In T2 group, increased proportion of binucleated and inflammatory cells, hepatic necrosis, widening of sinusoidal spaces and mild level of vascular damage was observed.

CONCLUSION

Taken together these findings we can conclude that N. oleander leaves extract significantly affects on experimental animals due to its toxicity. Efforts must be exerted to purify different chemical components from extract with no inflammation as this plant is utilized in folk medicine with narrow therapeutic indices.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO-F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy.

RESULTS

The extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4)-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.

Experimental oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus)

Dried leaves of oleander were orally given at a single dose of 500 mg/kg body weight to 20 clinically healthy male chickens. Clinical signs of toxicosis began to appear about 1 h after receiving the oleander and included hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, deep depression, and sudden death. Also, hyperemia in the combs and wattles was obviously seen. Electrocardiograms (ECG) were repeatedly recorded at 30 min intervals. ECGs findings included increasing the QRS duration in some birds and various kinds of arrhythmias. Bradycardia was the most frequently detected finding (30.43%). During necropsy, there were congestion and hemorrhages in the visceral organs particularly in heart, liver, kidney, and lung. Histopathology revealed myocardial cell necrosis with hyperemia and hemorrhage, severe diffuse pulmonary congestion and edema, severe renal congestion and hemorrhage with tubular necrosis, and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes with hyperemia and hemorrhage. There were also congestion, mild epithelial necrosis and desquamation with infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the proventriculus of all birds. There was also mild to moderate congestion in the intestines with scattered necrosis of surface enterocytes. The lack of information about the toxicity of oleanders in poultry was the main cause for this study. The results suggest that chickens appear to respond to oleander poisoning in a manner similar to other species.

Clinical and pathological effects of Calotropis procera exposure in sheep and rats

This study aimed to describe the toxic effects resulting from the administration of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton latex to rats and C. procera leaves to sheep. We studied male sheep that received C. procera leaves by gavage. Twenty male rats were separated into 5 groups and were subjected to an intra-peritoneal injection of fresh C. procera latex (without carrier solvent) at 1.0, 0.6, 0.3 or 0.1 ml of latex/kg of body weight, and control animals were injected with 0.9% NaCl. All rats were treated with the highest dose, but none of the rats from the other groups, died. The histological lesions were restricted to rats dosed with 1.0 ml of latex/kg body weight and included multi-focal coagulation necrosis of cardiac fibers and vacuolized hepatocytes. Subsequently, three groups of two sheep were treated with (1) a single dose of 30 g/kg, (2) a single dose of 60 g/kg or (3) 60 g/kg per day for 10 consecutive days. Exposure to the C. procera leaves was responsible for tachycardia and transitory cardiac arrhythmias in sheep from all groups. Gross pathological analysis of sheep dosed with 60 g/kg per day for 10 days revealed mild ascites, exudates on the trachea, pulmonary edema, mild hemorrhage in the liver, hydropericardium, flaccid heart, ulcers on the abomasum and kidneys presenting pale juxtamedullary cortex. The histological findings of the rat and sheep studies were similar and included multi-focal coagulation necrosis of cardiac fibers and vacuolized hepatocytes. In conclusion, our findings indicate that C. procera is a cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic plant.

A case of non-fatal oleander poisoning

We present a case of non-fatal poisoning with oleander blooms in a 42-year-old woman. After repeated vomiting and gastrointestinal distress, the patient was admitted to the hospital with cardiac symptoms 4 h after the ingestion. Urine and blood samples were assayed for drugs of abuse and for general toxicological screen. Blood was analysed for alcohol and volatiles. Oleandrin was detected in the blood sample at a concentration of 14.7 ng/ml. Following a review of the literature, this is the first case of oleander poisoning in which the patient recovered with only conservative treatment. Oleander poisonings occur rarely, and generally result in death.

Oleander intoxication in New World camelids: 12 cases (1995-2006)

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical and clinicopathologic effects and evaluate outcome associated with oleander toxicosis in New World camelids.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS

11 llamas and 1 alpaca.

PROCEDURES

Medical records from a veterinary medical teaching hospital from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2006, were reviewed. Records of all New World camelids that had detectable amounts of oleandrin in samples of serum, urine, or gastrointestinal fluid were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, and outcome of affected camelids.

RESULTS

11 llamas and 1 alpaca met the inclusion criteria of the study. Either oleander plants were present where the camelids resided (n = 7) or oleander plant material was identified in the hay fed to the camelids (5). One llama was dead on arrival at the hospital, and another was euthanized upon admission because of financial concerns. Of the 10 treated camelids, 9 had evidence of acute renal failure, 7 had gastrointestinal signs, and 4 had cardiac dysrhythmias on initial evaluation. The overall mortality rate was 25%, but the mortality rate for the 10 camelids that were medically treated was 10%.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In New World camelids, oleander intoxication was associated with a triad of clinical effects (ie, renal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular dysfunction). Oleander intoxication often represented a herd problem but carried a fair to good prognosis if treated promptly. Oleander toxicosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in sick camelids.

Intoxicação natural e experimental por Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae) em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul

Descreve-se a intoxicação natural e experimental por Nerium oleander em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Dois de oito bovinos morreram subitamente após consumirem folhas de galhos de N. oleander que haviam sido podados e jogados no piquete onde os animais eram mantidos. Não foram observados sinais clínicos em uma vaca, mas um terneiro de 4 meses de idade apresentou decúbito lateral, movimentos de pedalagem, vocalização e morte. As alterações macroscópicas mais importantes observadas na vaca morta naturalmente e em duas novilhas intoxicadas experimentalmente ocorreram no coração que apresentava petéquias e equimoses no átrio esquerdo, coágulos e hemorragias no endocárdio do ventrículo esquerdo e áreas levemente pálidas no septo interventricular e em porções do miocárdio dos ventrículos. Na histologia, havia necrose de coagulação de fibras cardíacas individuais e de pequenos agrupamentos, caracterizada por aumento de eosinofilia citoplasmática e núcleos picnóticos. Essas lesões eram mais acentuadas no músculo papilar. O diagnóstico foi fundamentado na presença da planta no potreiro onde estavam os animais, quadro clínico-patológico compatível e reprodução experimental em dois bovinos nas doses de 0,5 e 1,0g/kg de folhas frescas da planta.