Problematic/Toxic Plants

Question 1

what do we associate with alfalfa?

Answer 1

cantharidin from the blister beetles, causes salivation, anorexia, endotoxemia, low Mg and low Ca in blood

Question 2

what do we associate with alsike clover?

Answer 2

alkaloid that causes photosensitivity and icterus

Question 3

what do we associate with fescue?

Answer 3

endophyte that has ergot alkaloids, leads to abortions and other repro issues

Question 4

what can you give pregnant? mares on fescue

Answer 4

domperidone not don perignon

Question 5

what is something fescue toxicosis causes?

Answer 5

red bag deliveries

Question 6

what do we associate with the warm season annuals (sorghum, sudan, johnsongrass, etc.)

Answer 6

cyanogenic glycosides and nitrates. cause cystitis, ataxia, and cyanide poisnoning.

Question 7

what can be done for horses affected by the warm-season annuals?

Answer 7

sodium nitrate, methylene blue, call your vet!!

Question 8

issues with german/foxtail millet?

Answer 8

oxalates that prevent Ca absorption; causes big head syndrome; give Ca supplements

Question 9

issues with foxtail?

Answer 9

diaspores, issues in the mouth; kill them before they arise or mow

Question 10

issues with black walnut?

Answer 10

juglone (tree chemical) causes bounding pulse, laminitis, allergy, colic; watch your shavings

Question 11

issues with red maple?

Answer 11

gallic acid, tannins; issues with depression, dark urine, muddy brown mucus, tachycardia; give IV fluids and blood transfusions

Question 12

how much red maple causes issues?

Answer 12

0.7-1.5 kg

Question 13

issues with oak?

Answer 13

gallic acid, tannins; causes abortions, dark urine, edema of neck/abdomen, ataxia

Question 14

what can we do with horses with oak toxicities?

Answer 14

calcium hydroxide, supportive care

Question 15

issues with bracken fern?

Answer 15

thiaminase, cyanogen glycosides, ptaquilsode; causes base-wide stance, B1 deficiencies, ataxia, muscle tremors, lower heart rate, colic

Question 16

how to treat horses affected by bracken fern?

Answer 16

thiamine injections, blood/platelet transfusions (extreme causes)

Question 17

how much bracken fern is toxic?

Answer 17

1-2kg; it’s fire resistant and spreads 30 million spores per sprawn

Question 18

issues with buttercup?

Answer 18

glycoside produces protoanamonin; causes contact dermatitis, anorexia, diarrhea; take care of ya dang pastures

Question 19

issues with locoweed

Answer 19

endophyte produces swainsonine; horse becomes crazy, staggers, weight loss, infertility

Question 20

issues with red clover?

Answer 20

slaframine; excessive salvation and photosensitivity in extreme cases, remove from pasture and give water