Legs swelling-reaction to lush grass?

Joey's_my_darlin'

Hi everyone,
I thought I should ask if anyone has heard of a horse's legs swelling when they are on lush grass? My boy's legs ballooned up within 3 days of being on very lush long grass (lots of paspallum). I locked him up with just hay last night, and already his legs have gone down a little. It's funny though, it's only his hinds.

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A horse has five hearts-one in its chest, and one in each hoof.

Ryle · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 6:22 pm Post subject:

Check your pasture for this plant--hoary alyssum:
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/weedguid/hoaryaly.htm
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/plants/pphoary.htm

Toxicity caused by ingesting this plant causes stocking up, generally of the lower limbs which in most cases resolves in 2-3 days after getting the horse away from it. It can also have more severe consequences.

Cindy D.
Registered Veterinary Technician

Joey's_my_darlin' · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 10:10 pm Post subject:

Wow! Thank you qualified vet!!! Very Happy

I will check for this plant tonight.
The swelling is going down so much...these pics were taken this morning, and I went up 4 hours later and the swelling was even less! Can I ride him tomorrow if there is just a little bit of swelling left?
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A horse has five hearts-one in its chest, and one in each hoof.

Joey's_my_darlin' · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:57 pm Post subject:

Happy to report the swelling has gone down even more! Very Happy

No sign of that plant in the paddock. Question

This is this morning against just now. Smile

_________________
A horse has five hearts-one in its chest, and one in each hoof.

Ryle · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 8:20 am Post subject:

If he appears fine, then you could ride him but I wouldn't push too hard. And I would check the pasture for any toxic plants....there are many in Australia.
http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/APOL7/sep97-4.html
http://www.usyd.edu.au/su/rirdc/articles/research/book1.htm

Cindy D.
Registered Veterinary Technician

Joey's_my_darlin' · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks very much, I have actually had Joey in the paddock before and he didn't get swollen legs last time. Some other people have said that their horses have gotten swollen legs from funny weather? We have been having very cold nights but warm sunny weather with bits of rain in between.
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A horse has five hearts-one in its chest, and one in each hoof.