Poisoning by Metternichia princeps (Solanaceae) in goats in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract:

An outbreak of poisoning by Metternichia princeps is reported in goats from the State of Bahia. Out of eight goats three showed symptoms of poisoning and died; on two of them post-mortem examinations were performed. The main clinical signs were nasal mucous secretion, weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy, mild weakness, staggering gait, flexion of the fore and hind limbs, sternal recumbence, and lateral recumbence followed by death after approximately two days of clinical manifestations. The serum concentration of urea and creatinine and the serum activities of creatine phosphokinase were increased. At necropsy pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, ascites, pale kidneys, perirenal edema and hemorrhages in the subcutaneous tissue were observed. Microscopically the kidneys showed accentuated coagulation necrosis of the tubular epithelium and tubules and epithelial regeneration. In the lungs there was accentuated congestion associated with interalveolar and interseptal edema.

Index Terms:
Poisonous plants; Metternichia princeps; Solanaceae; nephrosis; pulmonary edema; ruminant; plant poisoning; Northeastern Brazil