Part 2 of our 2 part series on Poisonous Plants for Horses
Do you know what to do if your horse is exposed to poisonous plants and toxic substances?
When it comes to keeping your horse healthy, be aware of the potential dangers posed by poisonous plants and toxic substances.
In Part 1, we looked at the common types of toxic plants and compounds your horse could potentially be exposed to. In this part, we consider how to prevent your horse from accessing these plants, what to look for if you suspect your horse may have eaten something, and what to do if they have.
How Can I Identify Poisonous Plants?
Being able to identify poisonous plants for your horse is vital.
Familiarise yourself with the distinctive characteristics of toxic plants such as leaves, flowers, and stems.
Pay attention to warning signs like thorns, milky sap, or specific smells. Enrol in workshops or consult reliable field guides to gain confidence in correctly identifying dangerous plants in your horse’s surroundings.
How Can I Prevent Horse Exposure To Poisonous Plants?
Prevention is always better than cure. Take proactive steps to minimise the risk of your horse being exposed to toxic plants and substances.
Regularly inspect pastures, remove poisonous plants, and ensure pastures are adequately fenced to prevent access to neighbouring properties.
Practice good pasture management and provide a varied, balanced diet to limit the chances of horses grazing on potentially harmful plants.
Fence off known toxic plants
Identify and securely fence off any areas where poisonous plants exist or are likely to grow. Then eradicate them…!
Regular pasture checks
Routinely inspect pastures and grazing areas to ensure the absence of toxic plants. Remove any you find immediately. Either pull them up by hand – be sure to wear the appropriate PPE when you do, or spot spray them with a herbicide.
Provide ample forage
Provide sufficient and nutritious forage to discourage grazing on potentially harmful plants. Hunger will eventually drive horses to eat whatever is available, including toxic plants.
Educate yourself
Educate yourself and others who handle your horse about toxic plants.
What Are Some Other Toxic Substances That Can Harm Horses?
Apart from plants, horses can also be exposed to various other toxic substances. Awareness of these substances is crucial for the safety of your horses.
Some common toxic substances include…
Pesticides and herbicides
Chemicals used for weed and pest control may be harmful if consumed by horses. Store and use these substances away from grazing areas.
Certain medications
Not all medications formulated for humans or other animals are safe for horses. Ensure veterinary approval before administering any medicine.
Insect bites and stings
Some insects can cause severe allergic reactions in horses. Proper fly control and monitoring can help minimize the risk.
Mouldy or spoiled feed
Never feed mouldy or spoiled feeds to horses. Mould spores can produce toxins that are harmful for horses because they can cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, digestive problems, organ damage, and weaken their immune system if fed consistently for a long time.
Certain types of wood
If you use wood products as bedding for your horse, some types of wood like black walnut shavings are extremely toxic to horses. Always use bedding specifically designed for horses, and guaranteed to be non-toxic.
What Should I Do If My Horse Eats Something Toxic?
Accidents can happen, and if your horse ingests a toxic plant or substance, knowing the appropriate first aid measures can save their life.
Contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and assistance. In some cases, induced vomiting may be necessary, but this should only be done under professional guidance. Provide any necessary information about the plant or substance ingested, as this will aid in prompt and appropriate treatment.
If you suspect that your horse has eaten something toxic, there are several common symptoms of poisoning to look out for…
Abdominal discomfort
Watch for signs of colic, such as pawing, rolling, or repeatedly looking at the flank. Contact your veterinarian immediately, as colic can be a symptom of poisoning.
Diarrhoea
If your horse experiences sudden or severe diarrhoea, it may be an indication of toxin ingestion. Keep a close eye on their faeces and inform your vet about this change.
Loss of appetite
Is your horse suddenly uninterested in food? A decrease in appetite can be a sign of poisoning. Contact a veterinary professional to discuss the situation and seek guidance.
Difficulty breathing
Laboured breathing, wheezing, or other respiratory distress can be indicative of poisoning. Quickly contact your vet for further advice and assistance.
Unusual behaviour or lack of coordination
If your horse displays uncharacteristic behaviour such as aggression, agitation, stumbling, or stumbling, it could be a result of poisoning. Notify your vet immediately.
Excessive salivation or frothing
Increased salivation, drooling, or foaming at the mouth are signs of potential poisoning. This foam may have an unusual color or odour. Take photos or videos to share with your vet when seeking help.
Rapid heart rate
Monitor your horse’s heart rate, as an abnormally fast pulse can be an alarming symptom of poisoning. Share this detail with your veterinarian to aid in their assessment.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Horse Has Eaten Something Toxic
If you suspect poisoning, act promptly by following these steps…
Remove your horse from the source
Move your horse away from the potential toxic substance, preventing further exposure.
Contact your equine veterinarian
Alert your vet about your concerns. Provide them with a clear description of the situation and the symptoms your horse is exhibiting.
Find an equine vet near you with our listings
Collect evidence
Safely gather samples of the suspected poisonous material if possible. This can include leftover plants, packaging, or any other relevant substances. Collecting evidence will assist your vet in identifying the culprit and determining the appropriate treatment.
Follow your vet’s advice
Your veterinarian will guide you through specific actions based on the suspected toxin and subsequent examination. These measures may include administering activated charcoal or inducing vomiting under professional supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to do if your horse is exposed to Poisonous Plants and Toxic Substances
Are all parts of a poisonous plant equally dangerous for horses?
No, all parts of a poisonous plant are not equally dangerous for horses but in many cases, they’re still all dangerous for the horse – it’s just the degree of toxicity that varies! Different parts of a plant may contain different levels of toxins, and the concentration of toxins may vary throughout different stages of plant growth. Additionally, the sensitivity of horses to specific toxins in plants can also vary.
For example, in some plants, the leaves may contain higher levels of toxins compared to the stems or flowers. In other cases, the roots or seeds of a plant may be more toxic
Can I treat my horse at home if it ingests a poisonous plant?
Never attempt to treat your horse on your own without proper veterinary advice. Speedy action combined with professional support is key to ensuring the best possible outcome for your horse.
Can horses differentiate between toxic and safe plants?
Horses are intelligent animals, but they cannot discern between toxic and non-toxic plants. They will however usually avoid eating toxic plants if only because many of them are not palatable. If the plant is palatable, the horse will eat it. Therefore, it’s essential that you are vigilant and create a safe environment for your horse.
Are all horses equally susceptible to toxic plants and substances?
The susceptibility can vary between horses due to factors such as age, health condition, and individual tolerance levels. However, it is best to treat all substances as potentially harmful to equines.
Should I induce vomiting if my horse ingests a toxic substance?
No, you should not induce vomiting in horses; this is a specialist procedure only your vet can do. Contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance and provide them with detailed information about the ingested substance. The vet will advise you on the necessary steps to take based on the specific situation.
When is it crucial to contact a veterinarian in cases of ingestion?
It is important to involve a veterinarian whenever your horse ingests a potentially toxic substance, even if they appear unaffected. Some toxins may have delayed or subtle effects, and only a professional can assess the severity and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. Time is of the essence, so prompt veterinary intervention is recommended.
Can horses develop immunity to toxic plants over time?
No, horses do not develop immunity to toxic plants. Their sensitivity to these plants remains constant, and even small amounts can have adverse effects on their health.
Can exposure to toxic substances be fatal for horses?
Yes, certain other toxic substances can be fatal for horses if:
· Ingested in sufficient quantities,
· They’re exposed to them in their environment (i.e. toxic wood shavings, pesticides, herbicides etc) or
· Prompt treatment is not provided. Swift veterinary intervention is crucial in such cases.
Key Takeaways about Poisonous Plants and Toxic Substances for horses
Prevention is key.
Learn to identify toxic plants, know how to prevent exposure, and the symptoms of poisoning in horses. Seek prompt veterinary assistance if you suspect your horse has eaten something toxic.
