Clinical evaluation of Ageratum houstonianum Mill intoxicated goats

Abstract

Ageratum houstonianum Mill (A. houstonianum) is a widespread, highly invasive, and drought-resistant annual semi-shrub easily found in the pasture fields. It is called Gandhey Jhar locally. This study was conducted at the livestock farm of Rampur Campus, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, to determine the clinical progression and clinical parameters in A. houstonianum intoxicated goats to diagnose its toxicosis in small ruminants. Full blossomed A. houstonianum was fed ad libitum to six goats until the death of the animals. The time to develop the clinical signs and symptoms in goats ranged from 22 to 49 days. All the goats exhibited similar symptoms and signs such as stiffness of the neck, low temperature, respiratory distress, low pulse, anorexia, ruminal atony, general weakness, and finally, recumbency till death. After the onset of clinical symptoms, the entire clinical course persisted for 10-15 hours, followed by death. Two goats died on the 22nd day, and the rest goats died on 27th, 46th, 48th, and 49th days respectively. Hematologic examination revealed a significant decrease in hemoglobin and an increase in total WBC count. The serum biochemical values showed substantial alterations in ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, albumin, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, glucose, urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations. These biochemical changes suggested hepatic and renal dysfunction. Therefore, clinical signs, hematology, and serum biochemistry can be of optimal diagnostic value for the A. houstonianum intoxication in goats.