Plants That Cause Diarrhea in Horses

When it comes to plants that cause diarrhea in horses, no pasture or meadow is completely devoid of danger. It is important to recognize the plants that can cause potential dangerous side effects if consumed by horses. Younger horses are more susceptible to poisoning by eating plants than an older horse, as an older horse may have developed a tolerance to the toxins.

  1. Oleander

    • Oleander is an extremely toxic plant found typically alongside roads in Western and Southern states. All parts of the oleander plant are poisonous. If a horse consumes oleander, immediate veterinary attention is required. The first sign of oleander poisoning is diarrhea, which may contain blood. Laxatives may be administered to the horse in an attempt to flush the oleander toxins from the horse's system. If the treatment is unsuccessful, the horse will die in eight to 24 hours.

    Lupine

    • Many species of lupine are not poisonous, but it is difficult to determine those from the poisonous species so it is best to exercise caution around all varieties of lupine. Lupine is recognized by its pea- shaped flowers stemming from a straight stalk that stands straight. The lupine flowers can be pink, purple, white or blue. Fortunately, a horse must consume a large amount of lupine to be effected. Signs of lupine poisoning include gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, twitching, convulsions or coma.

    Fiddleneck

    • Fiddleneck can be found in the late winter and early spring in Idaho, Washington, California and Oregon. Fiddleneck poisoning causes cirrhosis of the liver, which is irreversible. Consumption of contaminated grasses and hays or grazing on contaminated wheat can cause fiddleneck poisoning. In addition to cirrhosis, signs of fiddleneck poisoning include recklessness, sluggishness, colic, diarrhea and a prolapsed rectum. Fiddleneck poisoning only occurs from prolonged exposure, but no cure exists.

    Castor Oil Plant

    • The castor oil plant is an ornamental plant found in California and in Southern states. The plant itself is not poisonous, but its seeds are. Ingestion of the poisonous seeds can cause problems with the horse's coordination, sweating, muscle spasms, an ineffective heart beat that causes a weak pulse and a temperature. Diarrhea, symptoms of colic, convulsions and even death may occur. Learning to identify the castor oil plant and keeping your horse away from it is the best defense.