Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Larkspur, Monkshood Toxicity
Synonyms: Misc. Plants Containing Toxic Alkaloids
Summary
There are many species of plants that contain toxic alkaloids, poisons that cause a variety of severe clinical signs and sudden death in horses. Monkshood is more toxic to horses than Larkspur.
Sign of toxicity from these plants are hard to differentiate from other acute diseases, and include cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, salivation, high heart and respiratory rates, poor blood pressure and collapse.
Diagnosis requires evidence of consumption of the plant, along with compatible signs of disease.
There is no known treatment for these toxins in horses. Eliminating exposure to the plants immediately is critical. Trying to reduce absorption by using activated charcoal may be helpful. Unfortunately, this opportunity is rare.
It is always important to minimize stress during treatment, as this worsens the signs.
Sign of toxicity from these plants are hard to differentiate from other acute diseases, and include cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, salivation, high heart and respiratory rates, poor blood pressure and collapse.
Diagnosis requires evidence of consumption of the plant, along with compatible signs of disease.
There is no known treatment for these toxins in horses. Eliminating exposure to the plants immediately is critical. Trying to reduce absorption by using activated charcoal may be helpful. Unfortunately, this opportunity is rare.
It is always important to minimize stress during treatment, as this worsens the signs.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is guarded to poor for horses showing signs after ingesting these plants.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- How can I manage my horses & pastures to reduce the likelihood of these toxicities?
Prevention
Know the plants that grow in your pastures, and inspect your pastures regularly. Research the plants that grow in and around all of the areas that your horses live. Avoid planting toxic plants when landscaping around your barn. When in doubt, take a picture of the plant and send it to your vet or county extension agent for discussion. Be particularly careful when packing and camping with your horses.
further reading & resources
Outside Resources
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