[Accident report: animal nutrition in veterinary medicine–actual cases: houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) in pasture–a health hazard for horses].

This study investigates the impact of houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), a highly toxic plant known to cause meteorism and colics in horses. It emphasises the importance of monitoring fodder contamination to avoid serious health hazards to horses.

Study Overview

• The study was prompted by the observation of symptoms like meteorism and colics in horses that had grazed on young pasture. These symptoms were indicative of a possible health hazard linked to their diet.
• A botanical analysis was conducted on a pasture sample provided by the owner, revealing a variety of grasses, herbs, and legumes. The toxic plant houndstongue was found in its rosette stage, albeit in minimal amounts (constituting 1% of the total sample).
• The identified houndstongue in the sample is known to be highly toxic, especially during its early growth stage, due to its content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids with strong hepatotoxic activity, which means these substances are harmful to the liver.

Key Findings

• The presence of houndstongue in the sample raised concerns, even though its exact contribution to the horses’ health issues in this case was not clearly established.
• The general conclusion of the research underlines the importance of monitoring and controlling the contamination of hay or silage, as this can present a severe risk to horses.

Implications of the Study

• The study brings attention to the fact that houndstongue contamination, particularly prevalent in regions with dry grassland, loess, or shell lime soil and extensive management, can create serious feeding issues.
• It underscores the urgent need for conscious and careful feeding practices, particularly in terms of ensuring the quality and safety of fodder. This is especially important in areas where houndstongue is common.
• The study contributes valuable knowledge about potential risks in animal nutrition in veterinary medicine, specifically in relation to horse health and management.