THE TOXICITY OF CASSIA OCCIDENTALS FOR CATTLE

SUMMARY An investigation into the toxicity of Cassia occidentalis seeds was undertaken to confirm the toxicity of this species and to more fully characterise the pathology of the condition. Hammermilled seeds were given to calves by stomach tube. Five calves died and 3 were killed in an advanced stage of intoxication 6 to 9 days after the last dose. Clinical signs observed included diarrhoea, anorexia, reluctance to move, stumbling swaying gait, recumbency, tachycardia and dyspnoea in the terminal stages. Red-brown urine was present in most calves from the fourth day. Terminally, there was a neutrophilia and greatly elevated serum GOT and CPK levels. Autopsy revealed pale skeletal muscles of the upper pelvic limb and a characteristic red stippling giving a banded appearance in some affected muscles. Marked pulmonary oedema was present and the myocardium had a streaky mottled brown appearance. Light and electron microscopic examination revealed severe myodegeneration of skeletal muscles, myocardiopathy and focal hepatic necrosis.