Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Blister Beetle in Hay, Horse May have Eaten Some
Summary
This is a rare observation. Usually beetle carcasses are only found when the hay is carefully examined, following signs of illness in a horse. They are tiny and very easily overlooked when examining hay. Blister beetle carcasses are found almost exclusively in alfalfa. A small number of these carcasses contain enough of the toxin cantharidin to kill a horse.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
If you discover blister beetles or similar insects in your hay, immediately stop feeding the hay to your horses. Have your vet examine the beetles to definitively identify them. Contact your hay supplier and warn them about your findings.What Not To Do
Do not assume that it is ok to feed the hay if you only find a few blister beetle carcasses.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Even if your horse isn't showing any signs of illness, your vet may treat your horse prophylactically and may also want to submit the beetle carcasses and/or hay to a lab for toxin testing.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Please describe the beetles.
- Are the horses showing any signs of illness?
- Do you think the horses ingested the beetles?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
