Here are some of the potential impacts of Patterson's curse on horses:
Digestive Disturbances
Consumption of Patterson's curse can result in gastrointestinal issues in horses. It may cause irritation to the digestive system, leading to colic-like symptoms, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
Photosensitivity
Horses that consume Patterson's curse may become photosensitive, meaning their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause severe sunburns, resulting in redness, peeling, and discomfort.
Respiratory Issues
Ingestion of Patterson's curse can cause respiratory problems in horses. The plant can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms.
Liver Damage
Patterson's curse contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause significant liver damage when horses consume the plant. Prolonged exposure to PAs can lead to liver disease and impair the liver's ability to function properly.
Kidney Damage: In severe cases, the toxic compounds in Patterson's curse can also affect the kidneys, leading to kidney damage or failure.
It has been observed that the production of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Paterson’s curse increases at the full flowering stage. This suggests that the weed is the most toxic to livestock if grazed while it is flowering. Given the potential health risks associated with Patterson's curse, it is important to prevent horses from grazing on pastures where this plant is present. Regular pasture management, including weed control, can help minimise the risk of exposure. If you suspect your horse has ingested Patterson's curse or is showing any symptoms of toxicity, it is crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Signs a horse has Patterson’s curse poisoning
Patterson's curse poisoning in horses can have various symptoms depending on the severity of the exposure and the amount of plant ingested. Here are some common signs that may indicate Patterson's curse poisoning in horses:
Liver-related symptoms
Horses affected by Patterson's curse poisoning may exhibit signs of liver damage, including jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin), lethargy, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite.
Photosensitivity
Affected horses may show increased sensitivity to sunlight, leading to sunburns, particularly in areas with less pigmentation such as the muzzle, face, and white markings. The skin may appear reddened, inflamed, and may blister or peel upon sun exposure.
Respiratory issues
Ingestion of Patterson's curse can cause respiratory problems in horses. They may exhibit coughing, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, and other respiratory symptoms.
Gastrointestinal disturbances
Horses with Patterson's curse poisoning may experience digestive issues such as colic-like symptoms (abdominal pain), diarrhoea, reduced appetite, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements.
Kidney-related problems
In severe cases of Patterson's curse poisoning, horses may display signs of kidney damage or failure, including increased drinking and urination, dehydration, and abnormal urine production.
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions, so proper veterinary diagnosis is crucial. If you suspect your horse has ingested Patterson's curse or is displaying any of the mentioned signs, it's essential to contact a veterinarian promptly. They will be able to provide a thorough examination, perform diagnostic tests if needed, and recommend appropriate treatment to address the specific symptoms and minimize further complications.
