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Rayless Goldenrod Toxicity

Rayless Goldenrod Poisoning, Goldenrod Poisoning

Rayless goldenrod is toxic to horses if ingested.

Daily consumption of only 1-1.5% of an animal's body weight, for a week or more, usually will cause symptoms of toxicity or death. Poisonings occur most often in late fall through early spring.

Symptoms

Trembling muscles

Shaking

Stiffness

Lethargy

Depression

Constipation

Colic

Rapid and labored breathing

Constant dribbling of urine

Diagnosis

History
Clinical signs
Necropsy

Support

Therapies

Therapies	Details
Purgatives
Stimulants
Laxative food

Prevention

Make yourself aware of the weeds and plant species that can be invasive in pastures and/or poisonous to horses.
Take periodic walks around pastures to check for the presence of potentially poisonous plants
Check that hay does not contain dried up poisonous plants
If you borrow or hire farm machinery ensure it is clean prior to arriving on your property, the same goes for lending of your own equipment.
Quarantine new animals in a separate paddock the first 10 days to 2 weeks after arrival. Weed seeds can be passed through an animal's digestive tract.

Scientific Research

General Overviews

Geographical Distribution

Risk Factors

Letting horses graze on overgrazed pastures containing rayless goldenrod.
Purchasing poor quality hay and/or not looking through hay for possible weed contamination prior to giving to horses.