Abstract
Seven outbreaks of acute intoxication from oleander (Nerium oleander) in cattle were reported in Northeast of Brazil. A total of 92 cattle were poisoned by oleander in 7 different herds; 57 animals died (67% of affected cattle). All cases reported here occurred during dry season. Two of the outbreaks resulted from offering oleander triturated and mixed with fodder. In the other cases, accidental ingestion of residual parts of oleander derived from pruning or cutting plants on grazing land were responsible. Clinical signs were diverse; the most common were locomotion disturbances, diarrhoea, depression and sudden death. Postmortem findings varied from no significant lesions to widespread haemorrhage. The presence of oleander leaves in the rumen was noted in all cases. The lack of information about the toxicity of oleanders was the main cause for the accident, which prompt us to stimulate wide divulgation of the common toxic plants.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this article
Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.
Instant access to the full article PDF.
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.References
Begum, S., Siddiqui, B.S., Sultana, R., Zia, A. and Suria, A., 1999. Bio-active cardenolides from the leaves of Nerium oleander. Phytochemistry, 50, 435–438
Cheeke, P.R., 1998. Natural Toxicants in Feeds, Forages, and Poisonous Plants, 2nd edn, (Interstate, Danville, IL)
Joubert, J.P.J., 1989. Cardiac glycosides. In: P.R. Cheeke (ed.), Toxicants of Plant Origin, vol. II, (CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL), 61–96
Knight, A.P. and Walter, R.G., 2001. A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North America, (Teton NewMedia, Jackson, WY)
Langford, S.D. and Boor, P.J., 1996. Oleander toxicity: an examination of human and animal toxic exposures. Toxicology, 109, 1–13
Mack, R.B., 1984. To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower – oleander poisoning. NC Medical Journal, 45, 729–730
Ni, D., Madden, T.L., Johansen, M., Felix, E., Ho, D.H. and Newman, R.A., 2002. Murine pharmacokinetics and metabolism of oleandrin, a cytotoxic component of Nerium oleander. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology, 2, 278–285
Soto-Blanco, B., Sinhorini, I.L., Górniak, S.L. and Schumaher-Henrique, B., 2002. Ricinus communis cake poisoning in a dog. Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 44, 155–156
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
About this article
Cite this article
Soto-Blanco, B., Fontenele-Neto, J.D., Silva, D.M. et al. Acute cattle intoxication from Nerium oleander pods. Trop Anim Health Prod 38, 451–454 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4400-x
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-006-4400-x