Cow with nightshade poisoning

[goatkid]

I was just talking with a friend. One of her boyfriend's bred beef cows has gotten nightshade poisoning from some hay she ate. She has coordination problems, diarreah, won't drink and seems to be going into pneumonia. Any ideas on how to treat her?

[fishhead]

I would get some activated charcoal (like aquarium filter type), grind it up and mix it with water and give some to the cow. They may also sell it at the pharmacy or poison control center. It's non-toxic so the amount isn't critical.

[sewtlm]

Nightshade can not be totally cured and the calf will be affected too.

It only takes 1oz of plant matter or 3 green fruits the size of a pin head to kill a 1000lb animal.

[Ronney]

The vet would be a good place for him to start if the cow has any value!

Which of the nightshades was it? Many plants fall into this group including deadly nightshade, Jerusalem cherry, tomatoes and potatoes. It is also interesting to note that animals with the worst diarrhoea are the ones most likely to survive.

Cheers,
Ronnie