Chrysocoma ciliata Toxicity Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the main toxic principle associated with Chrysocoma ciliata?

Unknown (correct)

All parts of the plant are toxic

Well-established toxic compounds

Low concentrations of a specific toxin

In which age group of sheep lambs is Kaalsiekte most problematic?

All ages equally affected

Under 3 weeks of age (correct)

Only adult sheep

Over 3 weeks of age

Which syndrome is specifically noted to occur when Dorper lambs' mothers graze on Chrysocoma ciliata?

Kaalsiekte

Valsiekte (correct)

Trichobezoariasis

Lakseersiekte

What type of health issue can result from excessive grazing of Chrysocoma ciliata in sheep?

Phytobezoars Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary issue caused by the toxic principle of Chrysocoma ciliata in affected animals?

Purging Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is the toxin from Chrysocoma ciliata excreted via milk?

From 3 to 14 days old Signup and view all the answers

Which syndrome is characterized by physical symptoms such as pruritus and alopecia?

Kaalsiekte Signup and view all the answers

What environmental conditions contribute to the health risks associated with grazing on Chrysocoma ciliata?

Hot sunny days followed by cold evenings Signup and view all the answers

What condition might be present in offspring even if the mothers are not showing symptoms?

Lakseersiekte Signup and view all the answers

What is a treatment option for hair balls in livestock?

Purgatives Signup and view all the answers

Which preventative measure is recommended for pregnant ewes to avoid grazing in contaminated pastures?

Supplementary feeding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is described as having severe diarrhoea and dehydration?

Lakseersiekte Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of Valsiekte observed in young lambs?

Neuronal degeneration Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step in the treatment of severe gastroenteritis in livestock?

Supportive electrolyte treatment Signup and view all the answers

In managing grazing for pregnant ewes, when should they be kept away from infested camps?

One month before parturition Signup and view all the answers

What is described as a treatment that is not very successful for hair balls?

Purgatives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chrysocoma ciliata Overview

Common names include Bitter bush, Bitterkaroo, and Bitterbos.
Distribution is sporadic but dependent on availability of other grazing resources.

Toxicity and Symptoms

The toxic principle is currently unknown.
Ingestion of large quantities is required for toxicity to manifest.
Typically not a problem if ample alternative grazing exists.

Important Syndromes

Kaalsiekte: Affects sheep lambs and goat kids under 3 weeks; typically not problematic after this age.
Lakseersiekte: Occurs in cattle, sheep, and goats upon large ingestion; symptoms include severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Valsiekte: Affects young Dorper lambs when mothers consume the plant; involves circumstantial evidence of toxicity.

Specific Health Issues

Phytobezoars: Plant hair balls affecting digestion.
Trichobezoars: Hair balls leading to gastrointestinal issues.
Minimal hair loss initially, with affected areas on non-pigmented skin.

Skin Reactions

Toxin excretion in milk leads to symptoms like pruritus, fleece pulling, and alopecia over certain body parts.
Offspring can be affected even if mothers show no purging symptoms.

Treatment Strategies

Provide shade to protect from sunburn and extreme cold.
Use emollients to alleviate skin issues.
Surgical removal of hair balls may be necessary; purgatives are often ineffective.

Prevention Measures

Implement efficient pasture management practices.
Offer supplementary feeding of good quality hay or limited grazing before exposure to veld.
Pregnant ewes should avoid heavily infested camps during the month before and after parturition.

Necropsy Findings

Severe gastroenteritis, characterized by hemorrhagic and ulcerative lesions, noted in affected animals.
Symptoms include severe dehydration and necessitate immediate removal of animals from toxic areas with symptomatic treatment.

Neurological Impact

Valsiekte displays signs of spongiform status in white matter and neuronal degeneration similar to conditions like enzootic ataxia in Cu-deficient animals.

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Description

This quiz covers the characteristics and toxicity of Chrysocoma ciliata, commonly known as Bitter bush or Bitterkaroo. It explores the toxic principles, important syndromes like Kaalsiekte and Lakseersiekte, and specific health issues such as phytobezoars. Understanding these aspects is crucial for managing grazing resources effectively.