Datura seed intoxication in two horses

J S Afr Vet Assoc. 1998 Mar;69(1):27-9. doi: 10.4102/jsava.v69i1.806.

Abstract

A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Datura stramonium / poisoning*
  • Female
  • Food Contamination
  • Foodborne Diseases / pathology
  • Foodborne Diseases / veterinary*
  • Horse Diseases / pathology*
  • Horses
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / pathology
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Plants, Toxic*
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / pathology
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / veterinary
  • Stomach Rupture / pathology
  • Stomach Rupture / veterinary*