Boxelder tree (Acer negundo) intoxication in fallow deer (Dama dama) and Dutch Landrace goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)

Abstract

Within 10 days of ingesting boxelder tree (Acer negundo) cuttings, seven fallow deer (Dama dama) died (n=2) or were euthanased (n=5) after showing signs of colic, anorexia and severe depression. Another fallow deer and two Dutch Landrace goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) simultaneously displayed colic signs but survived. Therapy included intramuscular flunixine meglumine. Postmortem investigation revealed subacute renal tubular necrosis and extensive lung oedema in all animals, and three deer had liver degeneration. The combination of clinical history and postmortem findings lead to the presumptive diagnosis of maple leaf intoxication as described in equids. This is the first report of likely boxelder tree (A negundo) intoxication in animals and the first report of maple leaf intoxication in fallow deer and goats.