Sorghum poisoning in ruminants and horses: a review.

The study is a comprehensive review of Sorghum poisoning in animals such as ruminants and horses, its history, symptoms, and the treatment and preventive measures.

History and Epidemiology of Sorghum Poisoning

• The abstract acknowledges that concerns about economic losses in the livestock industry due to sorghum poisoning date back to the 19th century. This indicates the long-standing nature of the problem.

Clinical Signs and Pathology

• The paper discusses a variety of clinical symptoms and pathologies associated with Sorghum poisoning. These range from Hyperacute/acute poisoning, which results from livestock consuming large amounts of growth and regrowth sorghum, especially after drought followed by rainfall.
• Chronic cystitis-ataxia syndrome primarily impacts horses after weeks of grazing on sorghum pastures.
• Congenital issues such as arthrogryposis and axonopathy have been seen in pregnant ewes and cows that graze on sorghum sprouts.

Pathogenesis of Sorghum Poisoning

• The hyperacute/acute manifestations of poisoning result from the blockade of the respiratory chain by cyanide.
• The pathogenesis of chronic exposure, which leads to spinal cord lesions, is unknown. Likewise, the possible teratogenic effects of cyanide, including abortions and limb deformities in both livestock and humans, are not yet well-understood.

Treatment and Prophylaxis for Sorghum Poisoning

• The paper suggests using sodium thiosulphate to treat acute cases of Sorghum poisoning.
• As for prevention, several strategies are recommended: avoid grazing livestock on plants younger than seven weeks, removal of sorghum from the diet of poisoned animals, and caution with sorghum stover after a rain due to the risks associated with regrowth.