Putative sporidesmin toxicity in an Eastern Grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

Abstract

A 2-year-old, captive, male Eastern Grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) died after progressive weight loss over a 4 week period. Biochemical analysis suggested hepatobiliary injury. At necropsy the liver was small, pale and firm. There were no abnormalities detected in other organs. Histopathological examination revealed a severe, diffuse, obliterative cholangiohepatopathy with advanced periportal fibrosis. This chronic hepatotoxicity was consistent with exposure to sporidesmin, the toxic metabolite in the spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum. Restricted grazing opportunities and heavy fungal pasture contamination may have precipitated sporidesmin toxicity in this animal. Sporidesmin toxicity has not previously been reported in this species.