Abstract

Five Merino sheep were dosed 3 g/kg of dry, finely-milled Homeria glauca (Natal yellow tulp) plant material. An electrocardiogram was recorded and the arterial and central venous blood pressure, blood gases, haematological variables, plasma electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- and PO4(2-) ) and a variety of serum enzymes and chemical constituents were measured hourly until death (3 sheep) or until sheep were in extremis (2 sheep). Heart rate rose progressively as a result of sinus and, later, ventricular tachycardia. Systolic blood pressure rose, but there was little change in the mean and diastolic arterial pressures and central venous pressure. There was progressive hypoxaemia, hypercarbia and acidaemia with depletion of plasma bicarbonate. Haemoconcentration, hyperkalaemia and hypochloraemia were found along with rising serum creatinine and plasma glucose. Rises in serum enzymes indicated widespread tissue damage. Electrocardiographic recordings were being made at the moment of death in 3 of the 5 sheep. In these 3 sheep the cause of death was ventricular fibrillation.