Cynanchum Spp (Bobbejaantou)
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

‘Bobbejaantou’ causes hypersensitivity, ataxia, seizures and paralysis. Also called ‘Krampsiekte’

Cynanchum is a climbing plant that is palatable.

The lethal dose of plant material is 4g/Kg

Clinical signs:

Early signs include a wide stance, legs sometimes crossed.  They tremble and stagger about and fall, becoming recumbent with seizures. Cattle often appear to walk on tip-toes with an arched back.

May be in lateral recumbency for 1-7 days and may have seizures. Head pulled back or between legs, lips drawn back and nystagmus occurs

Treatment:

No effective treatment

The poisoning can be confused with ‘krimpsiekte’ which is more paretic, Tetanus, Heartwater and sarcostemma viminale (‘Melktou’)

Reference:

Plant Poisonings and Mycotoxicoses of livestock in Southern Africa (Kellerman, Coetzer, Naude)