title: Datura seed intoxication in two horses.
abstract: A sunflower-based feed supplement grossly contaminated with the seed of a Datura sp. resulted in severe signs of poisoning in 2 horses. One horse died peracutely of acute gastric dilatation and rupture following ingestion of the contaminated feed. The 2nd horse developed unresponsive paralytic ileus that led to euthanasia. Examination of the feed and gastrointestinal contents of both horses showed a high proportion of the characteristic Datura sp. seeds. The clinical signs and pathology in both cases were consistent with intoxication by the parasympatholytic alkaloid components of Datura sp.
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa, South Africa.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schulman
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Bolton
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D013286:Datura stramonium / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D013275:Stomach Rupture / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*