Toxicology

Question 1

________ ingested at 40-70 days gestation in cattle cause severe limb and spinal abnormalities (arthrogryposis, torticollis, kyphosis, scoliosis, etc.)

Answer 1

Lupines genera
(L. sericeus or L. caudatus) contain anagyrine which is teratogenic

Question 2

__________ when ingested on day 50-75 of gestation causes multiple congenital contractures in calves such as spinal curvature and arthrogryposis. this is very similar to lupine toxicity.

Answer 2

poison hemlock

Question 3

Nicotana glauca (tree tobacco) found in CA and AZ contains anabasine which is teratogenic. This causes what signs in the calves?

Answer 3

multiple congenital contractures in calves such as spinal curvature and arthrogryposis
similar to lupines and poison hemlock

Question 4

In what species is N. tabacum (common tobacco) a teratogen in?

Answer 4

swine

Question 5

Locoweed contains __________ an indolizidine alkaloid that interferes with oligosaccharide degradation. The microscopic lesions are vacuolization of cells in many tissues.

Answer 5

swainsonine.

Question 6

CHRONIC exposure (4-6 weeks) to locoweed causes what 2 major signs? along with other signs such as abortion, hydrops, abnormal cotyledons, and delayed placentation.

Answer 6

1. CNS derangement
2. heart failure

Question 7

___________ locoweeds cause more annual losses d/t being a more stable locoweed plant population

Answer 7

oxytropis

Question 8

Needles from _______________ cause abortion when consumed during the last trimester in cattle.

Answer 8

ponderosa pine tree

Question 9

Ponderosa pine tree needles cause abortion more commonly in what season?

Answer 9

winter

Question 10

The following lesions are associated with what toxin?
profound constriction of the caruncular arterial bed, decreased uterine blood flow, premature parturition

Answer 10

ponderosa pine tree needles

Question 11

___________ causes abortion or premature birth of weak calves. This plant is not particularly palatable, but its first to emerge in the spring.

Answer 11

broomweed.

Question 12

What is the cause of Fescue hay toxicosis in cattle?

Answer 12

endophyte infestation
toxic ergot peptide alkaloids produced by the fungus

Question 13

In cattle that have ingested fungus-infected acremonium coenophialum (tall fescue, Kentucky 31), what is the major clinical sign/result?

Answer 13

diminished reproductive efficiency
summer slump
vasoconstrictive effects on internal organs and increased heat stress signs
decreased estrus (d/t hyperthermia)
increased embryo loss
decreased circulating prolactin
altered luteal function

Question 14

If a dairy cows rations contain cottonseed and/or cottonseed meal, what toxicity are they at risk for after several weeks of ingestion?

Answer 14

gossypol

Question 15

Gossypol has what effect on dairy cattle?

Answer 15

reproductive signs more in males
testicular damage, reduced sperm motility, increased mid-piece abnormalities

Question 16

If the region you practice in is experiencing drought-stress, cattle in the area are more susceptible to what toxicity where fertilizers are being used?

Answer 16

nitrate and nitrite

Question 17

What is the result of nitrate/nitrite toxicity?

Answer 17

late gestation abortion

Question 18

On what day must veratrum californicum need to be ingested to produce a small ruminant with cylopia and arthrogryposis?

Answer 18

day 12-14

Question 19

What results from endophyte infected tall fescue plant ingestion in horses?

Answer 19

suppression of prolactin –> agalactia
during last 90d of gestation, vasoconstriction, prolonged gestation, and thickened placenta results.
this can lead to neonatal hypoxia and asphyxiation.

Question 20

What is red bag and what toxin has the ability to produce it in mares?

Answer 20

red bag is premature placental separation in mares
it can be caused by endophyte-infected fescue

Question 21

What toxin has an estrogenic effect on pigs and causes implantation failure, females to exhibit signs of estrus, increased incidence of vaginal/rectal prolapses, and reduced testicular development and feminization in males.

Answer 21

zearalenone
fusarium roseum
grows when corn is wet within the silo and gets moldy