Possible Treatments for Plant Toxicity

Lest all of this information on toxins and equines results in feelings of hopelessness for the reader, please note that there are any number of measures and treatments that may counteract the toxin, alleviate the symptoms, and hasten recovery time.

Move the animal

Removal of the animal from the pasture containing the possible toxicant is always a necessary first measure.  In some cases, as with fescue toxicosis in pregnant mares, removal from pasture can clear the toxin from the animal’s system within days.  Plant matter can clear the stomach in 24 hours and the entire digestive system in as little as 48 hours.  

 

However, in the case of some toxins such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chronic toxicity is cumulative, occurs with the ingestion of small amounts over weeks or months, and clinical signs may occur months or even years after ingestion of the plants. 

Medications, treatments, and dietary supplements

There are a number of medications that can alleviate some or all of the symptoms or discomfort of plant poisoning by certain toxins.  Common treatments may include special diets including alfalfa and cereal grains, supplementation with protein concentrates, vitamins or minerals, intravenous fluids therapy, blood transfusions, surgery, medications such as Domperidone, sedation, intravenous vitamin K, injections of sodium nitrite or sodium thiosulfate, activated charcoal, potassium therapy, and respiratory stimulants, among others.

 

Antidotes or preventive medications are occasionally discovered that aid grazing animals in survival of toxic events.  One of these is the use of Ivermectin, a medication used to treat internal parasites, as treatment for alkaloid toxicity.  Alkaloid toxicity can also be counteracted with injections of  physostigmine or a dopamine antagonist.  Special diets or supplementation with grains or molasses may decrease nitrate toxicosis.  

Continuing research

Laboratories such as the USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Laboratory in Logan, Utah are also constantly conducting research on toxins in the hope of developing vaccines.  However, in many cases, there is no actual antidote or treatment available, even if the signs are recognized in the early stages of toxicity. 

 

As stated earlier, however, often the first sign of acute plant toxicity in equines may be death.  Consulting a veterinarian should be a first course of action if any unusual behavior or symptoms are observed. 

 

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