Quick Peek:
Horses are delicate creatures and can fall ill from consuming harmful plants. Certain weeds like onions, garlic, and milkweed, as well as trees such as black locust and holly, can be toxic to horses. It’s crucial to be aware of these plants and contact a vet immediately if a horse has ingested something harmful. So, keep an eye out for these pesky plants and keep your equine friends safe and sound!
Weeds and Trees That Are Toxic to Horses
As a horse enthusiast, you know that horses are incredibly sensitive creatures. They can get sick from eating the wrong thing, and some plants can be toxic to them. In this article, we will discuss some of the weeds and trees that are toxic to horses.
Weeds
Onions/Garlic
Onions and garlic contain compounds that can cause anemia in horses. If your horse eats a large amount of onions or garlic, it can damage their red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Ground Ivy
Ground ivy, also known as creeping Charlie, can cause colic in horses. It contains chemicals that can irritate the digestive system and cause abdominal pain.
Milkweed
Milkweed contains toxins that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress in horses. It can also lead to heart and respiratory failure.
Bracken Fern
Bracken fern can cause thiamine deficiency in horses. This can lead to weight loss, weakness, and even death.
Cocklebur
Cocklebur contains a toxin called carboxyatractyloside, which can cause liver damage in horses. It can also lead to colic and neurological symptoms.
Horsetail
Horsetail contains thiaminase, which can break down thiamine in the horse’s body. This can lead to a thiamine deficiency, which can cause weight loss, weakness, and even death.
White Snakeroot
White snakeroot contains a toxin called tremetol, which can cause tremors, muscle weakness, and even death in horses.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort can cause photosensitivity in horses. This means that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn and other skin problems.
Star-of-Bethlehem
Star-of-Bethlehem contains a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal distress in horses. It can also lead to colic and other digestive problems.
Sorghum/Sudangrass
Sorghum and sudangrass can contain high levels of nitrates, which can be toxic to horses. If your horse eats too much sorghum or sudangrass, it can lead to nitrate poisoning.
Yellow Sweet Clover
Yellow sweet clover contains a toxin called dicoumarol, which can interfere with the horse’s blood clotting ability. This can lead to bleeding and other health problems.
Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can cause liver damage and neurological symptoms in horses. It can also lead to respiratory failure and death.
Bouncing Bet
Bouncing bet, also known as soapwort, can cause colic and gastrointestinal distress in horses. It contains chemicals that can irritate the digestive system.
Larkspur
Larkspur contains alkaloids that can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death in horses. It can also lead to respiratory failure.
Mayapple
Mayapple contains a toxin called podophyllotoxin, which can cause gastrointestinal distress in horses. It can also lead to liver damage and other health problems.
Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage can cause severe gastrointestinal distress in horses. It contains chemicals that can irritate the digestive system and lead to abdominal pain.
Trees
Black Locust
Black locust can cause colic and gastrointestinal distress in horses. It contains toxins that can irritate the digestive system.
Oak (Green Acorns)
Green acorns from oak trees can contain high levels of tannins, which can be toxic to horses. If your horse eats too many green acorns, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other health problems.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut contains a toxin called aesculin, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems in horses.
Boxwood
Boxwood can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems in horses. It contains toxins that can irritate the digestive system.
Holly
Holly can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems in horses. It contains toxins that can irritate the digestive system.
In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of the plants that are toxic to horses. If you suspect that your horse has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian immediately. With proper care and attention, you can help keep your horse safe and healthy.
A video on this subject that might interest you:
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