Chronic phalaris toxicity in eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Issue 12 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bacci, B; Whiteley, PL; Barrow, M; Phillips, PH; Dalziel, J; El‐Hage, CM
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 92:Issue 12(2014)
• Page Start: 504
• Page End: 508
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12272-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Case report</title> <p>Seven eastern grey kangaroos (<italic>Macropus giganteus</italic>) grazing pastures including <italic>Phalaris</italic> spp. in Victoria showed neurological deficits characterised by ataxia, head tremors and collapse. Gross examination of the brains and spinal cords of affected kangaroos showed a greenish discolouration in several regions of the grey matter. Histologically, intracytoplasmic accumulation of pigment granules was detected in the neurons, most prominently in the thalamus, brainstem and ventral horns of the spinal cord. Pigment granules were positive to stains used for identification of melanin, including Fontana‐Masson stain and Schmorl's reaction.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12272-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The combination of clinical signs and obvious neuronal pigmentation is consistent with chronic <italic>Phalaris</italic> spp. toxicity, a condition well documented in domestic ruminants.</p> </sec> </abstract>