Hepatic and Spinal Lesions in Goats Chronically Intoxicated with Cycasin

Abstract

Two of the 4 goats given a daily dose of 4-6mg/kg cycasin for 88 to 124 days presented weakness and paretic signs in the hindquarters. All the 4 goats showed anorexia, weight loss, anemia and decreases in serum albumin and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels. Two of them had severer hepatic lesions and leukomyelopathy consisting of demyelination and axonal swelling or disappearance in the spinal cord, which were similar to those seen in cycad poisoning of cattle.