Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) toxicity in a herd of broodmare horses
Hovda, L.R.; Rose, M.L.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 35(1): 39-40
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 8434451 Document Number: 407207
Within 24 h after the introduction of new, second cut, alfalfa hay, 23 of 29 mares in mid-gestation developed fever (>39.5 degrees C), tachycardia (>48 beats/min), tachypnoea (>28 breaths/min), distal limb oedema of 1-4 legs, and mild to severe laminitis. 15 mares were dehydrated (>10%) with brick-red to bluish-purple mucous membranes and prolonged capillary refill times (>3 seconds). They developed moderate to profuse diarrhoea with cramping abdominal pain. Urine was scant and red to dark brown in colour. Examination of the hay showed contamination with hoary alyssum at 10-40% from flake to flake and 0-40% from bale to bale. All feed was replaced with 100%