Intoxicación por Cestrum parqui ("duraznillo negro") en bovinos. Confirmación por análisis micrográfico del contenido ruminal

Abstract

Many poisonous plants have hepatotoxic compounds that may cause sub-acute to acute poisoning in cattle. Common acute hepatotoxic plants in Argentina are: "yellow cestrum" (Cestrum parqui), "sunchillo" (Wedelia glauca), "abrojo grande" (Xanthium cavaniliensi) and "ngaio" (Myoporum laetum). Cestrum parqui belongs to the Solanaceae family and its phytochemistry includes glycosides, saponins and alkaloids which are responsible for the toxic effects. Aim of this work was to present the macroscopic, microscopic, hematological and rumen content micrographic analysis findings from animals that accidentally consumed the plant. Abeerdeen Angus x Hereford heifers were found dead in a lot with abundant "yellow cestrum" plants and samples for hematological analysis, histopathology and analysis of rumen contents were gathered. Results demonstrated alteration of hepatic enzymes, nutmeg liver and presence of Cestrum parqui leaves confirmed by rumen content microphic analysis. The latter is a useful complementary diagnostic tool for the confirmation of the intoxication caused by this hepatotoxic plant.