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arabic
Platinum Member
 England
4562 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Jun 2006 : 11:33:55 AM
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I'm a little concerned as Freddie (the numpty) grabbed and ate the top of a stalk of ragwort this morning(only a small amount). I am trying not to worry as I am pretty sure that its large amounts over a period of time that do the damage. Am I right???
Sandie
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Michelle
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3197 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2006 : 12:12:19 PM
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The only thing I would be concerned about is that he might have developed a taste for it. If he has eaten a bit then it is likely he is eating more if he is exposed to it.
Poisonous plants taste bitter to horses which is why they don't eat them, but if they suddenly decide they like the bitter taste, then the natural repellent is gone.
We have a ragwort problem and I finally seem to be on top of it this year. I have never seen my horses eat it before but it still worries me. |
IIsis Arabians
www.iisisarabians.com www.ali-abbas.co.uk
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arabic
Platinum Member
England
4562 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jun 2006 : 12:37:44 PM
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Thanks Michelle. I have never seen him eat it before and always keep his paddock clear. He didnt actually choose to eat it. Dont think he realised what he had grabbed. I try and encourage him not to eat from the hedges so he was being a bit cheeky. Hopefully it will have put him off the idea for a while.
I have noticed there seems to be a lot more around this year.
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janice
Silver Member
United Kingdom
373 Posts |
Posted - 01 Jul 2006 : 9:06:37 PM
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| I think each bit they eat damages the liver slightly. The liver can work when damaged up to a certain percent but once that percent of damage has been reached the liver can no longer function and the horse will become very ill. Prof Derek Knottenbelt (?) does a fantastic talk on this subject, if you ever get chance to see it do go along. |
you can't kid a kidder!!
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mazey
Gold Member
England
501 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jul 2006 : 8:14:56 PM
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| Hi Sandie, my mare ate some ragwort last year as I had pulled it from the field and left it in a plastic bag (stupid!!) and forgot about it. I fed her milk thistle from Hilton Herbs and got B vit tonic from the vet and she is fine. I don't know how much she ate, probably not a lot as it doesn't taste nice but I milk thistle is really good detox and liver tonic and you can just add it to the feed. |
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arabic
Platinum Member
England
4562 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jul 2006 : 10:26:32 PM
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I thought perhaps it was a longterm thing and he seems fine at the mo. Will have to be more careful in future.
I have been pulling nettles from his paddock and leaving them in the sun to dry. I think someone mentioned on here that they are a good for detox He has been eating them all so hopefully will be ok. I shall make a note of the Milk Thistle tho. Thanks
Sandie |
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Karrera
Bronze Member
England
206 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jul 2006 : 11:11:44 PM
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| Derek Knottenbelt is the fountain of all knowledge on this subject and if you look on the Leahurst web site I am sure there will be a paper published on there as there is with sarcoids. |
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Taylor
Gold Member
England
1432 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2006 : 01:10:17 AM
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Sorry to pinch your thread Sandie I hope you dont mind? What Id would also like to know, how poisonous is completely dead ragwort? say been dead for several months? I only ask because a friend of mine had a field full of ragowort topped (not her choice) the remaining ragwort was left on the field to die. Now we were both always led to beleive that ragwort was poisonous even when dead and probably more dangerous, because in this state it is more palatable. Now, the farmer said that it is fine and its only when it is dying should you worry! I didnt beleive him and have searched the net for information and have not come across this. Has anyone else ever been told this? Thankfully we have managed to clear alot of it but there is always that worry that you didnt get it all! Thanks.
Kirsty
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Zan
Platinum Member
Scotland
3213 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2006 : 09:27:18 AM
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I am absolutely certain that ragwort is equally poisonous in it's completely dried state and a lot more dangerous because it no longer tastes bad. One of the most dangerous ways for a horse to be exposed to ragwort is in hay, when they will eat it without noticing.Pasture with dead ragwort lying on it is extremely dangerous! Don't put horses on it.
It is also quite true that it has a cumulative effect. A horse will show absolutely no symptoms until there is a great deal of damage to the liver. |
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Taylor
Gold Member
England
1432 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2006 : 11:42:05 AM
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| Thanks Zan for confirming it. I knew I was right, and the Farmer was just talking Bull. |
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