Abstract

Krimpsiekte, also known as cotyledonosis or nentain sheep and goats, has been recognised as a disease entity since 1775. However, it was only in 1891 that Veterinary Surgeon Soga reproduced the condition by dosing Cotyledon (= Tylecodon) ventricosus leaves to goats. Professor MacOwan, a botanist, confirmed the identity of these nenta plants. From a South African veterinary toxicological point of view the date 1891 is of considerable historical significance as this was the first time that a plant was experimentally demonstrated to be toxic to livestock in South Africa. A chronological account of the history of krimpsiekte research is provided.

Highlights

  • From a South African veterinary toxicological point of view the date 1891 is of considerable historical significance as this was the first time that a plant was experimentally demonstrated to be toxic to livestock in South Africa

  • Krimpsiekte, a paretic or paralytic condition in small stock, was one of the first diseases documented in South Africa and ascribed to plant poisoning

  • Krimpsiekte is a chronic form of cardiac glycoside poisoning and various cumulative bufadienolides, with neurotoxic properties unique to these compounds, have been isolated over the years (Kellerman et al 2005)

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Summary

Historical article

Affiliation: 1Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa. How to cite this article: Botha, C.J., 2013, ‘Krimpsiekte in South Africa: Historical perspectives ’, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 84(1), Art. Krimpsiekte, known as cotyledonosis or nenta in sheep and goats, has been recognised as a disease entity since 1775. It was only in 1891 that Veterinary Surgeon Soga reproduced the condition by dosing Cotyledon (= Tylecodon) ventricosus leaves to goats. Professor MacOwan, a botanist, confirmed the identity of these nenta plants. From a South African veterinary toxicological point of view the date 1891 is of considerable historical significance as this was the first time that a plant was experimentally demonstrated to be toxic to livestock in South Africa. A chronological account of the history of krimpsiekte research is provided

Introduction
The early days
Findings
Chemistry and toxicity

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