Administration of activated charcoal for the treatment of lantana poisoning of sheep and cattle.

The use of activated charcoal for treating lantana poisoning was investigated. When 500 g of activated charcoal was given orally with toxic Lantana camara, it protected sheep against intoxication. Administration to sheep of 500 g of activated charcoal in 4 1 of electrolyte solution orally 6 days after the onset of lantana poisoning and then 4 1 of electrolyte solution the next day, was followed by recovery from the intoxication. Mortality was significantly higher in intoxicated sheep given only the electrolyte solution and in untreated sheep. Six cows with naturally occurring lantana poisoning were treated with 2-2.5 kg of charcoal in 20-30 1 of electrolyte solution given by stomach tube and all the animals recovered. It is recommended that sheep with lantana poisoning be treated orally with 500 g of activated charcoal in 4 1 of electrolyte solution, and that cattle be given 2 kg of charcoal in 20 1 of electrolyte solution. Supportive treatment for photosensitization and dehydration may also be required.