Depression and choke in a horse: probable white snakeroot toxicosis
Thompson, L.J.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 31(4): 321-322
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 2815546 Document Number: 326732
A 5-year-old horse on a walking trail ride showed reluctance to move, sweating and dyspnoea. Blood chemistry showed moderate increases in blood urea N and aspartate aminotransferase and arginase activities and great activities in lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities. The horse died about a day after the start of symptoms. PM examination revealed cardiac necrosis and fitrotic changes. White snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) was present in large numbers in a wooded area to which the horse had access. It is concluded that the horse had consumed large amounts of this plant.