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Chronic phalaris toxicity in eastern grey kangaroos ( M acropus giganteus )
Author(s) -
Bacci B,
Whiteley PL,
Barrow M,
Phillips PH,
Dalziel J,
ElHage CM
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12272
Subject(s) - biology , toxicity , zoology , medicine
Case report Seven eastern grey kangaroos ( M acropus giganteus ) grazing pastures including Phalaris spp. in Victoria showed neurological deficits characterised by ataxia, head tremors and collapse. Gross examination of the brains and spinal cords of affected kangaroos showed a greenish discolouration in several regions of the grey matter. Histologically, intracytoplasmic accumulation of pigment granules was detected in the neurons, most prominently in the thalamus, brainstem and ventral horns of the spinal cord. Pigment granules were positive to stains used for identification of melanin, including Fontana‐Masson stain and Schmorl's reaction. Conclusion The combination of clinical signs and obvious neuronal pigmentation is consistent with chronic Phalaris spp. toxicity, a condition well documented in domestic ruminants.