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  A Synopsis of the Problem


There have been a not-inconsiderable number of papers published in scientific and professional journals on equines and toxic plants. This website is a result of an extensive literature search in order to bring you the most important and relevant information. Since the space here is limited, the concentration will be on the most pertinent topics, which are divided into the following links (individual pages) to facilitate speed and utility for the reader.

Equines: Unique Among Livestock

What sets equines apart from other grazing animals when it comes to grazing and toxic plants? Why should we treat and manage them differently from other livestock?

Common Misconceptions About Horses & Poisonous Plants

Some of the common beliefs about horses, grazing, and toxic plants that may lead to mismanagement of equine diets and pastures, plants, and weeds.

The Specific Behaviors & Physiology of Equines that Contribute to Poisoning by Plants

Behavioral and physiological factors in equines that may contribute to or limit the occurrence of poisoning by plants.

Plant Factors Creating or Contributing to Toxic Events

Factors within plants that may be responsible for their toxicity as individuals or groups.

Environmental Factors in Toxic Events

Other variables, including season, weather, and soils, that may contribute to the toxicity of a plant or group of plants.

Common System & Organ Effects of Poisoning by Toxic Plants

Some of the more well-known physical conditions and illnesses that are the result of ingestion of or exposure to toxic plants by equines.

Toxic Symptoms & Diagnosis

General symptoms (behavioral & physiological) in equines that may be signals that the animal is undergoing a reaction to a toxic plant. These may be short-term or long-term effects. 

Treatments & Antidotes

There are relatively few of these, depending upon the plant toxin. Your veterinarian should be your primary source of treatment and information, but you will find here the most common treatments & antidotes.

Weeds: Their Relationship to Toxicity in Equines

Many horse owners and land owners are not very familiar with the weeds in their pastures, and often consider all 'weeds' to be dangerous to equines. This section is an  attempt to clarify the place of weeds in the problem of plant toxicity and equines.

Grazing Management in Prevention of Plant Toxicity

If all of the previous information is intimidating and overwhelming, don't despair! There are any number of pasture management practices that can greatly diminish the risks to your equines from toxic plants. We will list the most common and most easily accomplished of these. Other resources available can give you greater detail; some of them are mentioned in the bibliography and links page.

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