Diagnosis and Treatment of Oleander Poisoning in Cattle

Oleander is an ornamental plant, and many local farmers grow it. According to relevant literature, oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which have an irritant effect. After animals consume it, it can cause hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, increased sodium and calcium ion concentrations in myocardial cells, and decreased potassium ion concentration, thereby causing a series of pathological phenomena in animals such as atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia.

I. Incidence Situation

In July 2002, a 3-year-old yellow cow in Gumudi Town, Miquan City, consumed oleander in the yard. Two hours later, the cow showed symptoms such as abdominal pain, restlessness, looking back at its abdomen, and kicking its belly. Clinical examination showed the cow was depressed, had cyanotic conjunctiva, drooling, arched back, muscle tremors in the shoulder and elbow areas, labored breathing with a grunting sound at 40 breaths/minute, weak rumen sounds at 1 time/minute, mild bloating, and thin feces with mucus. Auscultation revealed enhanced heart sounds at 36 beats/minute, arrhythmia, and a body temperature of 37.6°C.

II. Treatment

1. 10% potassium chloride 100 mL, 10% glucose 1000 mL, intravenous injection, twice daily.

2. 0.1% potassium permanganate 2000 mL, starch 100 g (made into a paste) for oral administration.

3. Compound sulfamethoxazole injection 30 mL intravenously, twice daily.

4. 0.5% mequindox injection 300 mL intravenously daily, twice daily.

After the above treatment, the sick cow's muscle spasms and abdominal pain symptoms were reduced on the second day, and the above treatment was continued (potassium permanganate was not used). On the third day, the cow was in good spirits, the feces were close to normal, the rumen was no longer bloated, rumination began, body temperature was 38.2°C, heartbeat was 51 beats/minute, and arrhythmia was mild. After 1 more treatment, treatment was stopped. A follow-up visit 10 days later showed the cow had fully recovered.

III. The following points should be noted during treatment

1. Potassium supplementation and glucose supplementation should be carried out simultaneously, because glucose can promote potassium ions to enter cells, increase potassium ion concentration in myocardial cells, and alleviate symptoms caused by potassium deficiency.

2. During the treatment of this disease, calcium preparations cannot be used, because calcium can enhance the toxicity of cardiac glycosides.

3. Oral administration of potassium permanganate can oxidize cardiac glycosides, causing them to lose toxicity. Starch paste can protect the intestinal mucosa, reduce irritation of the intestinal tract by the toxin, and prevent continued absorption of the toxin.