10/29/2024
Always worried about the acorns growing up in SE Ar, sand colic, and a terrible experience losing a mare who ate a few leaves from an azalea plant near a pool! know you greens!
Plants are a common way for horses to become poisoned.
Toxic plants may be more common in your pasture than you realise.
Always inspect new pastures for toxic plants. Horses are more likely to eat toxic plants when they have little access to nutritious pasture.
Signs of plant poisoning in horses may include:
• Reduced appetite and colic
• Depression or lethargy
• High heart rate or laboured breathing
• Muscle tremors
• Neurological signs including staggering, falling over or blindness
• Skin irritations
What to do if you suspect plant poisoning in your horse:
• Seek immediate veterinary advice – give clear descriptions of clinical signs, videos of animals behaviour are very useful.
• Remove all access to area with poisonous plant present
• Check your feed and hay for mould or contaminating plant material
• Collect samples of the suspect plants or photos
