redroot pigweedLarge, coarse, annual herb, 1 to 1.5 m tall. Leaves alternate, simple, elliptic, to lanceolate, 8 to 15 cm long, tapered at both ends. Flowers green, inconspicuous; borne in short, compact panicles interspersed with long, green, floral bracts. Seeds small, lenticular, less than 1 mm long. Found throughout the south, particularly in cultivated fields, barnyards and waste places.
TOXICITY
This plant may accumulate nitrates after treatment with herbicides such as 2, 4-D and also after heavy nitrogen fertilization. This plant also becomes more palatable after treatment with herbicides. Cattle, sheep and other ruminants are susceptible.
Another syndrome has been observed in swine and cattle in which incoordination, coma and death have been observed. Necropsy examination reveals edema in the kidney region with degeneration of the kidney tubules. Degeneration of the brain has also been recorded.
SYMPTOMS
Classical acute nitrate poisoning is characterized by cyanosis, difficult and open mouth breathing, weakness and trembling. The animal usually becomes recumbent.
TREATMENT
Two percent methylene blue given intravenously is the treatment of choice. If large quantities of toxic material have been consumed, treatment may need to be repeated.
eastern baccharisMuch branched shrub or small tree, 1 to 4 m tall. Leaves alternate, deciduous, simple, elliptic to ovate, coarsely serrate to rarely entire, 3 to 7 cm long, 1 to 4 cm wide. Flowers inconspicuous but fruits have many white bristles on the seed which are sufficiently numerous to give the whole top of the plant a white or silvery appearance (hence one common name, silvering). Found in all of the coastal states, Virginia to Florida to Texas; much more abundant in lower coastal plain; salt marshes, low grounds, fence rows, open woods, pastures and roadsides.
TOXICITY
The leaves and flowers of this plant contain a cardioactive glycoside and are attractive to cattle and sheep in the early spring. The evergreen appearance is particularly attractive to cattle when other forage is not available.
SYMPTOMS
Staggering, trembling and convulsions, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms are often seen.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment. Gastrointestinal protectives are used if diarrhea is present. Sedatives may be used if convulsions are occurring.
