Jimson Weed, Potato, and Tomato
In the large family of nightshade (Solanaceae) plants, horses have been poisoned by various genera that include nightshades (Solanum spp.), jimson weed or thorn apple (Datura stramonium), tomato (Lycopersicon spp.), potato (Solanum tuberosum), and jessamine (Cestrum spp.).
A variety of toxins are found in Solanaceae plants, especially in the green parts of the plant and the unripe fruits. These toxins inhibit the animal's parasympathetic nervous system. They also have a direct irritant effect on the digestive system. Horses are most often poisoned by the feeding of grain contaminated with jimson weed seeds green or rotting potatoes, or potato or tomato plants. Compared to other livestock, horses may be more susceptible to of solanine toxins.
Initially there may be excitement, but depression follows with decreased heart and respiratory rate, muscle weakness, dilated pupils, colic, and watery diarrhea that may be bloody. When large amounts of solanine are ingested, death results from cardiac arrest. Therapy is symptomatic as no specific treatment exists.
|
|
|
|
