Alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta campestris) toxicity in horses: clinical, haematological and serum biochemical findings.

The research article focuses on describing the physical symptoms, blood conditions, and changes in serum biochemistry exhibited by horses that were exposed to toxicity caused by alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta campestris).

Study Overview

• The study was observational and involved 20 horses which were naturally subjected to the poisonous effects of alfalfa dodder. The researchers collected data on the horses’ medical history and observed clinical signs after physical examinations.
• The investigators specifically collected venous blood samples from 12 horses to conduct haematology and serum biochemical tests for each one.
• The clinical effects of the toxicity were seen about 36 hours after the horses consumed the contaminated alfalfa.

Clinical Findings

• Of the 20 horses, eleven showed abnormal clinical signs including diarrhea, decreased appetite, neurological symptoms and abdominal pain. It’s worth noting that many of the affected horses displayed multiple symptoms.
• The effects of the toxic alfalfa dodder were quite severe, given that clinical conditions suggested gastrointestinal and neural complications.

Haematological and Biochemical Observations

• Blood tests conducted on the horses revealed decreased white blood cell count (leukocytopenia), lower than normal neutrophil count (neutropenia), and reduced platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
• Additionally, the horse’s serum biochemistry displayed decreased level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Conversely, there was a rise in the level of direct bilirubin.
• These indicated potential damage to the liver and muscle tissues of the horses.

Management and Recovery

• To manage the situation, the horses were immediately taken off the contaminated alfalfa and placed on a different feed that was weed-free.
• Upon close observation, the clinical signs began to dissipate after three days. No specific treatment was applied during this period.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that the toxicity in horses caused by the Cuscuta species is scarcely explored in veterinary literature. Thus, this study provided valuable insights for the issue.
• The study emphasizes the importance of paying careful attention to the diet of horses and monitoring them closely for any abnormal signs following a drastic change in feed.