Oleander intoxication in horses: the evidence of oleander leaves in the stomach - a case report

The incidence of a deadly poisoning of two mares with dried oleander (Nerium oleander L.) leaves is reported. The symptoms observed were restlessness, ataxia, somnolence, tremors, increased respiratory rate, and suppressed peristaltic murmurs. Abnormalities in the heart and circulation function could not be recorded. The pathologic examination showed a flabby heart, multiple haemorrhages in the myocardium and a weak inflammation in the colon. In the stomach content fragments of oleander leaves could be unequivocally identified on the basis of the characteristic cavities with trichomes on the lower leaf surface.