locoism
Noun: A neurological disease affecting livestock, primarily caused by the chronic ingestion of certain plants known as locoweeds. The condition is characterized by symptoms including weakness, lack of coordination (ataxia), trembling, and partial paralysis.
The term is used specifically in veterinary and agricultural contexts to describe the poisoning syndrome. * The rancher identified the cause of the herd's strange behavior as locoism. * Locoism can result in significant economic losses due to animal debilitation and death.
- "to contract locoism": to become afflicted with the disease.
- Several sheep in the valley contracted locoism after grazing on the infected pasture.
- Locoweed (n): Any of various plants of the genera or that contain swainsonine, the toxin responsible for causing locoism.
- Locoed (adj, informal): Describing an animal suffering from locoism.
- The locoed horse stumbled and circled aimlessly.
- Locoweed poisoning: The direct cause of locoism.
- Swainsonine toxicosis: The technical medical term for the poisoning, named for the primary neurotoxic alkaloid involved.
The word "locoism" is highly specific and does not have common alternative meanings in general English. It is derived from the Spanish word "loco," meaning "crazy," which describes the erratic behavior of affected animals. It should not be confused with general terms for poisoning or neurological disorders.
- a disease of livestock caused by locoweed poisoning; characterized by weakness and lack of coordination and trembling and partial paralysis