VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

SOURCES OF CYANIDE POISONING

• Hydrocyanic acid or prussic acid is most toxic and rapidly acting.
• The sodium and potassium salts of cyanide are slightly toxic.
• Ferrocyanide and thiocyanates are complex cyanides and they are practically harmless.
• Cyanide poisoning in animals is generally a result of ingestion of certain plants.
• The content of cyanogenetic glycosides in plants varies with stage of growth, climatic conditions, type of soil and fertilizer used.
• Young and immature plants, plants growing rapidly after drought, wittled and frost bitten plants are more toxic.
• Drying the plant or making silage reduces the toxic potential of the plant.
• Plants containing cyanogenetic glycosides release HCN by hydrolysis.
• Degradation of the glycoside is initiated by damage to the plant cells.
• In the stomach they continue to hydolyse and liberate more HCN.
• Immature sorghum contains cyanogenetic glycosides.
• Cyanide is used as a fumigant and cyanide compounds are used as rodenticide.

• Plants that have cyanogenetic glycosides include: Acacia leucophloea, Lotus sp. Nerium oleander, Sorghum vulgare, Sorghum halepense etc.