The diagnosis of plant poisoning in humans, pet animals
and livestock is not always easy and depends on a good
case history and an evaluation of clinical signs and
pathological lesions, as well as confirmatory laboratory
tests where these exist (Botha and Penrith 2008). Rabbits
are resistant to the effects of pyrrolizidene alkaloids which
are found in plants such as ragwort and comfrey. In
contrast, Amaranthus species can cause ascites with lemon
yellow serous fluid. In the USA, “head down disease” is
caused by Aslepias eriocarpa (Woolly Pod Milkweed).
Paralysis of neck muscles, lack of coordination, subnormal
temperature, drooling and rough hair coat are seen in
effected animals. The houseplant, Dieffenbacchia is poisonous
to rabbits. Avocado leaves are also toxic for rabbits although
the toxicity potency varies.
Daffodil bulbs, horse chestnut, garden plants such as
cotoneaster, honeysuckle and pyracantha or plants for
Christmas decorations, (i.e. holly, ivy and mistletoe) are
known to be toxic to other species. The toxic effects of
goitrogenic vegetables such as cabbage, spring greens and
brussel sprouts have not been documented in rabbits.
Based on published documents, reports of plant poisoning
in rabbits are very rare in veterinary literature. In this
communication we described a new case report of
poisoning with B. recurvata for the first time.