See also Cyanide, nitrate and oxalate poisoning and pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis

Diagnosis

History (sudden high morbidity/mortality, evidence that suspected plant has been eaten), clinical signs, necropsy findings.

If plant poisoning is suspected, the paddock should be inspected to determine the availability of possible toxic plants. A check can then be made at necropsy to determine if these plants are present in the ingesta.

Specimens required

1. Sections of liver, kidney and any other organs showing lesions, submitted in buffered formalin for histopathology.
2. If nervous signs are seen, specimens as required for Nervous disorders.

NB. Examination of ingesta is usually difficult and of limited value. It will only be performed for specific plants to which the animals have had access, and provided that specimens of those plants accompany the specimens of ingesta.