Poisonous plants Mark Tabachnik

content Pasture management is an important part of looking after horses. Plant poisonings are extremely rare, this short lecture is aimed at helping you recognise toxic plants so you can remove them.

Acorns Causes: colic, loss of appetite, depression, liver damage, incoordination if eaten in large amounts Can be life threatening Mouth ulcers Can be addictive

Ragwort Causes: life threatening liver damage if consumed over a long period in large amounts Bitter taste – usually only eaten if dried in hay

Buttercups Causes: mouth ulcers / blisters, salivation, swollen face Seizures can be life threatening but v rare Unlikely to eat in large enough quantities

Brackens & Ferns Causes: weight loss, staggering, nervousness, muscle twitching, seizures Can be life threatening if consumed in large quantities for large periods Can be treated – vitamin B

Charlock Causes: frothing at the mouth, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties Only life threatening if eaten in large amounts

Cowbane Causes: salivation, colic Convulsions can be fatal, if eaten in large quantities

St John’s Wort Causes: dermatitis, itching, ulceration Esp. in non pigmented skin Mouth ulcers & irritation

Stinging Nettle Histamine & formic acid Usually from skin contact not eating them Causes: local irritation Staggering, distress, muscle weakness

Foxglove Causes irregular heart beats, heart failure Usually only eaten when found in hay

Laburnum Causes: diarrhoea, colic, convulsions Life threatening if consumed in large amounts.

Yew & Privet Causes: incoordination, tremors, collapse, heart failure

If you find a poisonous plant in your field………….. Remove it including roots. Avoid herbicides unless you can move the horse off the field Fence off oak trees Burn the plants – do not leave them to dry out (they are often tastier)

If your horse eats a poisonous plant……………… Toxic plants tend to be too bitter for horses to eat in large amounts Plant poisoning deaths are rare as they have to be consumed in large amounts If unsure seek veterinary advice.