Digitalis purpurea (purple foxglove, common foxglove). Related species: Digitalis lutea. A member of the plant family SCROPHULARIACEAE. Erect, biennial herbaceous plant with soft oval, hairy green leaves that form a rosette. Clusters of pink-purple, tubular-shaped flowers, forming capsular fruit containing very many small seeds.

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Animals most affected
Horses, cattle, (sheep).

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Etiology
In exceptional cases direct ingestion of the fresh plant, or more frequently, ingestion of fodder contaminated with foxglove. Poisoning in animals, however, is very rare.

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Toxicity
Contains cardiotoxic heterosides or glycosides (digitoxin and digitoxoside), and a saponin (digitonin). The leaves are the most toxic part of the plant.

Oral doses in g fresh leaves:

LD	cattle	160-200
	horses	120-150
	sheep	25-30
	dogs	5-20

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Clinical features

Gastroenteritis
(The first sign to present and often the only effect in mild cases):

• diarrhoea, colic.
• distention of the atrium with occasional necrosis;
• mild to moderate enteritis.

Renal effects

• albuminuria, haematuria.

Neurological effects

• depression, drowsiness, tremor.

Cardiac effects
(May be delayed or present immediately in cases of serious poisoning):

• sinus bradycardia, arrhythmias, rapid and irregular pulse;
• cardiac arrest with dilated auricles and premature ventricular contractions.

Clinical symptoms may progress and intensify over several days, with the possibility of death.

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Lesions

• general congestion;
• distention of the atrium with occasional necrosis.

Mild to moderate enteritis.

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Treatment
No antidote. Symptomatic care only:

• complete and total rest;
• adsorbents (activated vegetable charcoal);
• anticholinergic drugs: atropine (0.05A).1 mg/kg, 25% iv, 75% sc);
• do not administer calcium salts.