Alsike clover poisoning: A review.
Abstract: Trifolium hybridum (alsike clover) has been implicated as the cause of two diseases of the horse. One of these is photosensitivity, of which alsike clover is only one of a number of presumed causal agents. The other is a fatal syndrome which is known as "alsike clover poisoning" and which is manifest by progressive loss of condition, signs of hepatic failure, and varying degrees of neurological impairment. The underlying lesion of alsike clover poisoning is fibrosis and proliferation of the biliary tree. The experimental evidence implicating alsike clover as the cause of this syndrome comes entirely from a series of feeding trials performed by Dr. Frank Schofield between 1928 and 1933.This review surveys the literature on the association of alsike clover with both photosensitivity and biliary fibrosis in horses, and summarizes the clinical and pathological features of "alsike clover poisoning". The experimental evidence that has been used to implicate Trifolium hybridum as the cause of alsike clover poisoning is critically examined. It is concluded that the existing experimental evidence is insufficient to prove that Trifolium hybridum is the cause of alsike clover poisoning.
Publication Date: 1989-05-01 PubMed ID: 17423321PubMed Central: PMC1681272
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article focuses on the ill effects of consuming Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) by horses, namely photosensitivity and a fatal syndrome known as “Alsike clover poisoning”. However, the study concludes that the existing evidence is insufficient to definitively link Alsike clover with these diseases in horses.
Introduction to Alsike Clover and Its Implications
- The research article focuses on Trifolium hybridum, also known as Alsike clover. This particular plant has been suggested as the cause of two severe equine diseases.
- First is photosensitivity, which is a health issue where horses become overly sensitive to sunlight. Alsike clover is one of many potential causes for this condition.
- The second is a deadly condition known as “Alsike clover poisoning”. Horses suffering from this ailment progressively lose physical condition, exhibit symptoms of hepatic (liver) failure, and show various degrees of neurological impairment.
Basis of Alsike Clover Poisoning
- The primary pathological feature of Alsike clover poisoning is regression and abnormal growth in the biliary tree— the network of ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. This causes the varied symptoms of the disease.
- The association between Alsike clover and these severe conditions comes solely from an experimental feeding study executed by Dr. Frank Schofield during 1928 to 1933.
Analysis of the Association Between Alsike Clover and Equine Diseases
- This research piece undertakes a comprehensive review of the existing literature around the potential correlation between Alsike clover and photosensitivity & biliary fibrosis in horses. The study further explores the clinical and pathological features of “Alsike clover poisoning”.
- The paper critically scrutinizes the experimental evidence derived from Dr. Frank Schofield’s work that was used to suggest Trifolium hybridum as the causative agent of Alsike clover poisoning.
Conclusion of the Study
- Overall, the study’s final conclusion is that the current experimental evidence is not robust enough to definitively prove that Trifolium hybridum intake is the primary cause behind Alsike clover poisoning.
Cite This Article
APA
Nation PN.
(1989).
Alsike clover poisoning: A review.
Can Vet J, 30(5), 410-415.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
References
This article includes 1 references
- Vet Clin North Am. 1973 May;3(2):279-89
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Elsalahy H, Bellingrath-Kimura S, Kautz T, Döring T. Effects of mixing two legume species at seedling stage under different environmental conditions. PeerJ 2021;9:e10615.
- Collett MG. Photosensitisation diseases of animals: Classification and a weight of evidence approach to primary causes. Toxicon X 2019 Jul;3:100012.
- Nation PN. Hepatic disease in Alberta horses: A retrospective study of 'alsike clover poisoning' (1973-1988). Can Vet J 1991 Oct;32(10):602-7.
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