RAGWORT POISONING
Cause
Eating the ragwort plants either fresh in the field or paddock where they are usually very bitter and unpalatable, or more seriously dried and hidden in hay where they are much more palatable. The plant causes liver damage, the signs of which only become apparent when most of the liver is damaged beyond repair and is potentially fatal.
Signs
Loss of weight and appetite, yawning and signs of mild colic, droppings can be either drier that usual or watery in consistency, jaundice (yellow colour) in the mouth and eye, uncoordinated movements.
Treatment
There is very little conventional treatment for liver damage apart from Vitamin B complex and supportive medication. Some Alternative therapies stress the detoxification process and suggest the consentrated use of detox agents over a short period of time even in the case of severe liver damage. As the prognosis is dire this course of action may be considered useful. In addition some preparations are available that can be fed regularly to continually aid the detox of any toxins ingested should, for example, hidden ragwort in hay be eaten unknown to the horse owner. By far the most important action any horse owner can take is to rid their field of ragwort by digging it up with the aid of a ragfork and gloves and burning it. Sourcing the best quality hay available is another important measure and even viewing the fields from which the hay will be made to ensure no ragwort is growing in or near it. Check that you can recognise the weed by consulting your library or knowledgeable friend or your vet.