Cotoneaster harrovianus and other spp.
Shrub to small tree, long shoots produce structural branches, short shoots, the flowers. The ovate leaves are arranged alternately, flowers produced in late spring through early summer, and are coloured white through to pink and red shades. The fruit is 5-12mm in diameter, pink or bright red (other species of cotoneaster have different colours such as orange and black), containing 1-3 seeds.
Firethorns (Pyracantha spp.), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), photinias (Photinia spp.), rowans (Sorbus spp.)
Warm and coastal areas (Kaikoura). A common garden plant.
Contains low concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides; toxicity only occurs after ingestion of large amounts of the plant (unlikely). The glycosides are converted to cyanide in the digestive system.
Dogs, livestock, llamas.
Dyspnoea, hypothermia, congested mucous membranes, chewing, recumbency, opisthotonos; abdominal cramping, diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs
Cardiac problems, tremors, death
Evidence of ingestion of plants in stomach, light red blood that does not clot, oedematous gastrointestinal mucosa
History
Ingestion of cyanogenic substances
Cobalt ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and/or hydroxocobalamin are efficient treatments for cyanide poisoning because they act immediately; supplemental oxygen; sodium thiosulfate because thiosulfate transforms cyanide into thiocyanates that are often excreted by the kidneys; gastric lavage
Good if only a small amount is ingested
Ensure alternative food sources are available; remove plants
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
