panicum virgatum/jaundice

Consumption of certain grasses belonging to the genus Panicum has been found to cause hepatogenous photosensitization and crystal-associated cholangiohepatopathy in small ruminants, and liver disease in horses, in many areas of the world. We describe herein the clinical findings, microscopic

Four outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitisation occurred in weaned lambs in north eastern Victoria during the summers of 1985 and 1986. Attack rates varied between 7% and 43% and case fatality rates between 60% and 71%. Clinical signs included photosensitisation and jaundice. Serum biochemistry

The clinical appearance and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity were studied in 5 groups of sheep (12 per group) on kleingrass (Panicum coloratum) pasture plots and in 1 group of sheep (10 animals) on native buffalograss (Buchloë dactyloides) pasture. Eleven sheep (at least 1 from