POISONOUS PLANTS.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 7, 11 June 1925, Page 7

POISONOUS PLANTS.

(By J. D. Anderson). The following article, which deals with poisoning among livestock due to the consumption of various plants, will no doubt be of interest to owners of stock in general. The information supplied has been drawn in part from data written by Mr. H. A. Reid, F.R.C.V.S., D.V.H., F.R.S.E., formerly Government Veterinarian in charge of the Veterinary Laboratory at Wallaceville, Wellington, but portions of the article however also contain the results of my own practical experience. TUTU, TUPAKIHI, or TOOT PLANT. (Coriaria ruscifolia)

This plant is found in various parts of the country. It flourishes among bush or in clearings and on hillsides. This plant is indigenous to New Zealand occurring in three species known botanieally as coriaria. The bright green shiny leaves of the shrub are familiar tajnost New Zealand farmers many of whom have suffered loss among stock through its poisonous properties. Cases of toot poisoning generally occur in the late autumn or winter when feed is likely to be scarce, and in the early spring when the succulent young leaves and shoots tempt cattle to partake °f it. Young stock ars specially prone to fall victims to their partiality for the plant. A glucoside named tutin has been isolated from the plant which possesses very poisonous properties toward all animals, though under natural conditions cattle are the species specially liable to be affected. Cases are more numerous among travelling slock which feed upon the plant during wayside halts, or when it occurs in holding paddocks. Its ingi stion in on an empty stomach greatly enchances the danger of poisoning. Stock which partake daily of only moderate quantities may suddenly develope symtoms consequent on the cumulative nature of the poison. Tutin acts upon the' brain and the spinal.cord setting up symtoms of excitement, followed by paralysis and death. Symptoms—lt often happens that the first intimation the owner receives is the finding of several animals lying dead. The bodies usually present a blown appearance. Signs of convulsions having occured indicated by the churned up state of the surrounding ground are sometimes evident At other times the animals appear to have died quietly. Symtoms come on at variable periods following the ingestion of the plant depending upon the age of the animal and the amount of other food present in the paunch. The “tooted” animal shows symptoms of excitement, walks unsteadily moves its ears backwards and forwards, twitches its lips, rolls the eyes, and is siezed by spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the forequarter. It may attempt to rush widly about as though demented, and often falls during these mad rushes, and lies struggling on the ground. Impaction of the paunch by the green

fermentable leaves, frequently causes a condition of tjunMny or ‘blown’. The left flanojWlistended. Breathing is hurma and of a heaving character dueJto the spasm ot the muscles ef respiration. The conclusive movements are followed by a state of coma or semi-loss of consciousness. The animal lies extended on the ground, the eyes glazed and staring. Occasional convulsions occur, sensibility is gradually diminished, and death takes place after one or two deep iuspiratory efforts. Post-mortem examination reveals the presence of the characteristic leaves in the paunch (rume«.) Treatment—Remedial measures should, when possible, be undertaken without delay. To relieve symptoms of ‘blown’ no time should be lost in puncturing the rumen or paunch, and for this purpose a specially devised trochar and canula may be used, or failing this a sharp knife such as a carving knife, which after insertion can be turned sideways in order to allow of the escape of the gases from the rumen as freely as possible. The point chosen for puncture should be mid-way between the last rib, bony prominences of the loins, and the hip on the left side. The trochar or knife, after making an incision through the skin, is plunged boldly in ia a downward and forward direction when the gases and possibly some of the liquid contents will escape with a rush. The canula (hollow tube) of the trochar, if one has been used, should be left in position until the egress of gases is complete. Animals suffering from toot poisoning are often difficult to handle and restraint further adds to their excitament. When available a dose of ounces of carbonate of ammonia dissolved in a bottle full of milk or thin gruel should be administered. This should be followed by a quart of raw linseed oil, and if the animal is badly blown, a dessertspoonfulof formalin should be added to the drench. When excitable symptoms and convulsions predominate a dose of 1% ounces ot chloral hydrate should be given in the oil drench. Lime water is also beneficial and may be given when obtainable, Care should be exercised to prevent stock having access t@ ground whereon toot is growing. Adequate supplies of winter teed will lessen the desire to partake of undesirable plants possessing little or no nutritive value or containing poisonous properties. Drovers should be cautioned against the danger of toot poisoning and reasonable precautions should be observed. The eradication of the plant from farm lands is highly desirable. Next week ragwort poisoning will be dealt with.