Meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) in hay and colic in horses
Kamphues, J.; Meyer, H.
Tierarztliche Praxis 18(3): 273-275
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-6286 PMID: 2377991 Document Number: 363338
Following feeding of a new delivery of hay (bought in Southern Germany) 3 horses out of a unit of 17 developed colic within a few days one horse died. Post-mortem there was an intensive accumulation of serous or serous-haemorrhagic fluid in the thorax and abdomen. The hay was heavily contaminated by autumn crocus (colchicum autumnale)--about 1.48% of total mass. Other feedstuffs were of good quality and following removal of the affected hay no further cases of colic occurred. The pathological findings also indicated a colchicine intoxication.