White snakeroot toxicity

Attention! This is a potentially life-threatening condition for your horse. Time is of the essence, contact your veterinarian immediately.Find a Vet

White Snakeroot Toxicity

White Snakeroot Poisoning

Ageratina altissima is a woodland herb commonly found in the midwest United States. The plant is toxic if ingested by horses.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath
Reluctance to move
Ataxia
Stiffness
Lethargy
Excessive sweating
Jugular vein distention
Trembling
Death (in 2 days)

Diagnosis

  • Environment
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
Symptomatic and supportive care
Remove horse from source

Prevention

  • Make yourself aware of the weeds and plant species that can be invasive in pastures and/or poisonous to horses.
  • Take periodic walks around pastures to check for the presence of potentially poisonous plants
  • Check that hay does not contain dried up poisonous plants
  • If you borrow or hire farm machinery ensure it is clean prior to arriving on your property, the same goes for lending of your own equipment.
  • Quarantine new animals in a separate paddock the first 10 days to 2 weeks after arrival. Weed seeds can be passed through an animal's digestive tract.

Prognosis

Horse may have long-term cardiac problems

Scientific Research

General Overviews

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