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Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/9/2011 Publication Date: 7/1/2011 Citation: Stegelmeier, B.L. 2011. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid-containing toxic plants (Scenecio, Crotalaria, Cynoglossum, Amsinckia, Heliotropium, and Echium spp.). Veterinary Clinics of North America. 27(2):419-28. Interpretive Summary: Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) containing plants are found throughout the world and are probably the most common plant cause of poisoning of livestock, wildlife and humans. PAs are potent liver toxins that under some conditions can be carcinogenic. The objective of this paper is to briefly introduce high risk North American PA containing plants, summarizing their toxicity and subsequent pathology. We also will review current diagnostic techniques, treatments and strategies to avoid losses to PA poisoning. Technical Abstract: Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) containing plants are found throughout the world and are probably the most common plant cause of poisoning of livestock, wildlife and humans. PAs are potent liver toxins that under some conditions can be carcinogenic. The objective of this paper is to briefly introduce high risk North American PA containing plants, summarizing their toxicity and subsequent pathology. We also will review current diagnostic techniques, treatments and strategies to avoid losses to PA poisoning. |