A Case Report of Acute Poisoning With Panicum miliaceum in Sheep in South Khorasan (Eastern Iran): Clinical and Laboratory Findings

Different species of Panicum have been reported as a cause of photosensitization in sheep, horses, cattle and goats. P. miliaceum grows across different regions of Iran. This plant may contain toxic levels of hepatotoxic steroidal sapogenins. Sapogenins are metabolized in animals to glucuronide conjugates of epsimilagenin which are crystallized in bile, leading to biliary blockage, cholangitis and secondary photosensitization. An outbreak of poisoning was observed in a flock of 170 fat-tailed sheep grazing on pasture of proso millet (P. miliaceum) in Birjand, South Khorasan province of Iran. Affected animals showed tachycardia and tachypnea. Anorexia, reduced rate and amplitude of ruminal movements up to ruminal stasis were observed. Severe head swelling and marked icterus in mucous membranes were observed. Seven affected sheep died. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Marked elevation of BUN, total bilirubin, and the activities of GGT and high level of Ca2+ were observed in comparison with normal ranges. High levels of GGT activity indicates biliary lesions and BUN elevation in serum is probably due to renal failure and both are consistent with exposure to P. miliaceum