Quercus spp poisoning
Synonym(s): Oak poisoning; Acorn poisoning
Introduction
- Cause: tannins and possibly other compounds.
- Signs: gastrointestinal signs and less commonly elevated renal parameters and liver enzymes.
- Diagnosis: history of ingestion and evidence of plant material in vomitus or feces.
- Treatment: supportive with management of gastrointestinal obstruction if required.
- Prognosis: favorable.
Presenting signs
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Acute presentation
- Gastrointestinal signs.
- Abdominal discomfort.
Geographic incidence
- Oak is native to the Northern hemisphere and is found in the Americas, Asia, Europe and North Africa.
- Cases of poisoning typically occur in the autumn.
- Cases of poisoning are more common in some years than others and are associated with a hot dry summer and an abundant acorn crop.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Quercus species contain tannic acid, but this may not be the only substance responsible for the toxic effects observed in animals.
- Toxicity is not reduced by drying or freezing.
- The buds and immature acorns contain the highest concentration of tannins.
- The effects are mainly gastrointestinal. Elevated liver enzymes and renal injury may occur.
- Tannic acid may lead to increased vascular permeability and subsequent fluid loss, which may be the cause of edema and fluid accumulation (this is mainly seen in ruminants and horses, rather than dogs).
Predisposing factors
General
- None known.
Specific
Timecourse
- Gastrointestinal signs may occur within a few hours.
- Duration generally 12-72 hours, but recovery may occasionally take up to a week.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Pérez V, Doce R R, García-Pariente C, Hervás G, Ferreras M C, Mantecón Á R, Frutos P (2011) Oak leaf ( Quercus pyrenaica) poisoning in cattle. Res Vet Sci 91 (2), 269-277 PubMed.
- Yeruham I, Avidar Y, Perl S, Yakobson B, Shlosberg A, Hanji V, Bogin E (1998) Probable toxicosis in cattle in Israel caused by the oak Quercus calliprinos. Vet Hum Toxicol 40 (6), 336-340 PubMed.
- Spier S J, Smith B P, Seawright A A, Norman B B, Ostrowski S R, Oliver M N (1987) Oak toxicosis in cattle in northern California: clinical and pathological findings. J Am Vet Med Assoc 191 (8), 958-964 PubMed.
- Anderson GA, Mount ME, Vrins AA, Ziemer EL (1983) Fatal acorn poisoning in a horse: pathologic findings and diagnostic considerations. J Am Vet Med Assoc 182 (10), 1105-1110 PubMed.
- Neser J A, Coetzer J A W, Boomker J & Cable H (1982) Oak ( Quercus robur) poisoning in cattle. J S Afr Vet Assoc 53 (3), 151-155 PubMed.
Organisation(s)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control, telephone (888) 426-4435.
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS); www.vpisglobal.com, telephone + 44 (0) 2073 055 055.