Experimental poisoning by Callaeum psilophyllum in rabbits and goats

Abstract

Callaeum (Mascagnia) psilophyllum is found in the same regions than Amorimia (Mascagnia) rigida, a sodium monofluoroacetate containing plant that cause sudden death associated with exercise in ruminants. With the objective to determine the toxicity of C. psilophyllum, leaves of the plant were administered to rabbits and goats. In rabbits doses of 6-12 g.kg-1 body weight caused tachycardia, dyspnea, and mydriasis. One rabbit, that ingested 10 g/kg, showed clinical signs similar to those caused by A. rigida in rabbits. Four goats showed diarrhea after the ingestion of green or dry leaves of the plant. Three died and one recovered. The results in rabbits suggest that C. psilophyllum contains fluoroacetate. However, clinical signs in goats suggest that C. psilophyllum contains another substance responsible for the digestive signs.