Toxic Plants in Small Animals Flashcards
The Kalmia species are what type of toxins?
Grayanotoxins
The Rhododendron species are what type of toxins?
Grayanotoxins
What is the range and habitat of the grayanotoxins?
South east Appalachia to mid-Atlantic coast
True or False: All parts of the Rhododendron species are toxic.
TRUE
What is the MOA of the andromedotoxin of the Rhododendron species?
Binds and blocks the inactivation of sodium channels in cell membranes –> prolonged neuronal depolarization and excitation
Is there an antidote for Rhododendron species?
No
In which parts of the world are plants of the Araceae family found?
Tropics and subtropics
What is the toxic principle of the Araceae family?
Insoluble calcium oxalates
Plants of the Araceae family have several proteolytic enzymes that trigger the release of ____ and ____.
Kinins and histamines
Araceae plants have contractile cells called ____ containing _____.
Araceae plants have contractile cells called IDIOBLASTS containing RAPHIDES (oxalate crystals).
What are the clinical signs associated with consumption of Araceae plants?
- Irritation and pain on chewing
- Headshaking
- Hypersalivation
- Dyspnea
(Severe cases: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Rarely: arrhythmia, mydriasis, coma, death)
How would you treat poisoning by Araceae plants?
- Oral calcium to aid in precipitation of soluble oxalates
- Antihistamines/anti-inflammatories
- Activated charcoal
- Mouth rinse
Members of the Euphorbiaceae family contain a variety of phytotoxins, including what 4?
- Lectins
- Glycosides
- Alkaloids
- Diterpine esters
What is the antidote for Castor beans?
None
How would you diagnose a castor bean poisoning?
- History of exposure
- Leukocytosis
- Elevated ALT/AST
- Detection in gastric contents
What are the 4 Euphorbia species?
- Poinsettia
- Snow on the mountain
- Spotted spurge
- Leafy spurge
What is the toxic principle of the Euphorbia species?
Diterpenoid phorbol esters
Euphorbia species cause direct irritation as they are what kind of compounds?
Blistering
What 3 parts of the body do Euphorbia species affect?
- Skin
- Mucous membranes
- GIT
True or False: Euphorbia species only contain toxin within their seeds.
FALSE: Euphorbia species are contain toxin in ALL parts of the plant.
What are the clinical signs associated with Euphoria species of plants?
- GI irritation
- Blistering
- Hypersalivation
- Periocular/perioral swelling
- Vomiting/diarrhea
Sap may cause contact dermatitis
How would you treat a topical exposure to Euphoria plants?
Wash with alcohol
How would you treat an oral exposure to Euphoria plants?
Dilute orally using water or milk
What is the toxic principle of the Viscaceae family?
Unknown
What type of plants do the Viscaceae parasitize?
Oak trees
Walnut trees
Other deciduous trees
What do plants of the Viscaceae family obtain by parasitizing other plants?
- Nutrients
2. Water
What is the lay term for Phoradendron?
Mistletoe
What is the toxic principle of the Liliaceae family?
Unknown
What is the absorption rate of Liliaceae species?
Quick (within 3 hours)
With Liliaceae poisoning, what would you see on gross pathology?
- Swollen kidneys
- Pulmonary congestion
- Hepatic congestion
With Liliaceae poisoning, what would you see on microscopic pathology?
- Diffuse acute renal tubular necrosis, usually in the proximal tubules
- Granular and hyaline casts in the collecting ducts
What would you see on urinarlysis due to Liliaceae poisoning?
- Proteinuria
- Glucosuria
- Isosthenuria
- Casts
What would you see on bloodwork due to Liliaceae poisoning?
- Increased BUN
- Increased creatinine
- Increased K
- Increased P
- Stress leukogram
How would you treat a Liliaceae poisoning?
- Decontaminate GIT
2. Fluids (prior to anuria)
True or False: Grape and raisin susceptibility is only limited to dogs and ferrets.
FALSE: Grape and raisin toxicity is only limited to DOGS.
What is the MOA of grapes and raisins?
Unknown
At what dose would raisins and/or grapes cause clinical signs?
11 - 30 g/kg
At what dose would raisins and/r grapes cause renal damage?
32 g/kg
What are the clinical signs associated with grapes and raisins?
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Polydipsia
- Tremors
- Decreased to no urine production
What causes death associated with grape and/or raisin toxicity?
Renal failure once anuric
With grape/raisin toxicity, what would your calcium levels be?
High Ca
With grape/raisin toxicity, what would your phosphate levels be?
High PO4
With grape/raisin toxicity, what would your BUN and creatinine levels be?
High
What types of lesions would you see microscopically with grape/raisin toxicity?
Necrosis of proximal convoluted tubule epithelium
Which animals are most often affected by stinging nettles?
Hunting dogs
Stinging nettles express fine stinging hairs containing what 4 compounds?
- Acetylcholine
- Histamine
- Serotonin
- Formic acid
How would you treat a poisoning from stinging nettles?
Depends on the signs: atropine (bradycardia), antihistamines (pawing at mouth), supportive care
