Myocardial fibrosis associated with previous ingestion of yew (Taxus sp.) in a Holstein heifer: evidence for chronic yew toxicity in cattle

Twenty-six 5-month-old Holstein calves were accidentally exposed to discarded branches of yew bushes (Taxus sp.). Several calves were found dead approximately 24 hr after exposure; however, a few calves died several days after exposure. One calf died 18 days after the initial exposure to Taxus sp. and was examined on the farm via necropsy. Gross lesions included ascites, and dilated and flaccid myocardial ventricles. Sections of formalin-fixed heart were submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for histopathologic examination; fresh rumen contents were submitted for toxicologic testing. Histologically, large areas of myocardium were replaced by fibrous connective tissue, suggesting previous myocardial necrosis. Taxus alkaloids were identified in the rumen contents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Based on the clinical history, the gross and histologic lesions, the identification of Taxus alkaloids in the rumen contents, and lack of exposure to other known cardiotoxic agents, yew toxicity was considered the cause of death in this calf. Ingestion of taxines is known to cause acute and subacute toxicity in human beings and animals; however, a chronic clinical course and severe histologic lesions have not been previously associated with yew toxicity. Although only 1 calf was examined, this case suggests that yew toxicity can result in a prolonged clinical course in cattle and can cause histologic myocardial lesions.