CASE NOTES
Tribulus Staggers
Steve Eastwood, District Veterinarian, Connabarabran RLPB
Posted Flock & Herd February 2011
History
- History important — may not be grazing tribulus when first observed
- signs may develop at least 3 months after initial exposure and can last an average of 8 months
- mainly sheep affected
- incidence is highest in British breeds and their crosses
- usually adult breeders, but occasionally hoggets may be affected
- during droughts when summer storms fall on bare cultivation profuse growth occurs
- generally only plant species available
Clinical signs
- subtle differences between T. terrestris and T. micrococcus
- initially mild paresis in hindquarter develops
- further asymmetry develops with one hind limb showing more weakness than the other
- when running affected animals move hindquarters sideways
- final stages forelimb weakness develops
- recumbency, death
- chronic, progressive and irreversible (in T. terrestris)
Gross pathology
- atrophy of hind limb muscles
Laboratory Results
- diagnosis based on History and clinical signs
- in merinos - can eliminate inherited CNS diseases by brain and spinal cord pathology
Treatment Options
- exposure to T. terrestris is irreversible
- exposure to T. micrococcus may lead to recovery
- No treatment possible
- Prevention / control of prolonged grazing only viable option
Control Options
- Control grazing — avoid prolonged grazing of Tribulus dominant pastures.
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