BASICS
- The ingestion of plants containing cyanogenic glycosides can result in cyanide toxicosis. Although 55 cyanogenic glycosides have been reported (amygdalin, prunasin, and dhurrin, among others) in over 1000 different species of plants, the most important sources for animals have been the following genera: Prunus, Sorghum, Triglochin, Pyrus, Suckleya, and Amelanchier. Damage to the plant (including wilting and mastication) results in enzymatic degradation of the glycoside and release of cyanide
- Cyanide ion has great affinity for the iron of cytochrome c oxidase and will inhibit electron transport and cellular respiration
- The blood can carry oxygen but oxygen cannot be utilized by the cells, resulting in tissue anoxia
- Onset usually rapid (20–120 min) after large ingestion
- Tachypnea
- Dyspnea
- Weakness
- Tachycardia
- Bright red mucous membranes
- Recumbency
- Terminal seizure-like activity
- Death
- Ingestion of large amounts of (usually wilted) plant material containing high concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides
- Typical scenario is ingestion of fresh but wilted cherry leaves from branches broken off during storms
- Reports indicate 100 g of wild black cherry leaves can be fatal to a 45 kg animal
- Cyanide is volatile and dried cherry leaves or hay made from Sorghum spp. are generally safe
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT
MEDICATIONS
FOLLOW-UP
MISCELLANEOUS