Slaframine Toxicosis

Slaframine Toxicosis



Basic Information image



Definition


Slaframine is a mycotoxin produced by Rhizoctonia leguminicola, a fungus that infects legume plants. Chronic and acute toxicosis is caused by ingestion of contaminated feedstuffs.



Synonym(s)


Slobber factor, slobber syndrome, black patch disease



Epidemiology



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


Guinea pigs are most sensitive, followed by horses, bovines, other ruminants, pigs, cats, dogs, rats, and chickens.



Risk Factors


Risk of slaframine intoxication increases as the amount of legume forage increases in the diet.



Geography and Seasonality


Growth of Rhizoctonia leguminicola is most prevalent in second-cutting hay or clover associated with cool, wet weather. Hay may retain toxin for as long as 2 years. The disease is seedborn with sclerotia and mycelia of the fungus, which can overwinter. This fungus is known to occur in red clover, white clover, soybeans, kudzu, cow peas, blue lupine, alsike clover, alfalfa, Korean lespedeza, black medic, cicer milkvetch, and sanfoin. The fungus is usually only present on other legumes when red clover is near.



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint


Excessive salivation is usually the first sign of slaframine exposure. Clinical signs usually develop after 1 hour of contaminated feed ingestion.



Physical Exam Findings


Clinical signs:



• Excessive or profuse salivation


• Feed refusal


• Diarrhea


• Bloating


• Colic


• Lacrimation


• Lethargy


• Anorexia


• Polyuria


• Stiff joints


• Decreased milk production


• Rare occurrence of death


• No changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or respiration

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Slaframine Toxicosis

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