Poisoning of sheep and cattle in Western Australia due to species of Isotropis (Papilionaceae)

Abstract

The distribution of the six species of Isotropis occurring in Western Australia has been delineated, with botanical descriptions of the four known to be toxic. Outbreaks of intoxication due to I. Cuneifolia or I. Drummondii, supplemented by feeding trials, were studied in detail and the basic pathological effects recorded. It is suggested that the toxic principle exerts its main effects on the glomerular capillary endothelium and the epithelium of the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, and on the centrilobular liver cells. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular lesions may also contribute to acute deaths. The histopathological changes are described in detail.