Oxalate Poisoning in Horses

Ожаlates Oxalates are strong acidic compounds found in many types of plants, which can potentially cause acute or chronic poisoning in horses. If horses consume grasses or weeds with high amounts of oxalic acid it can adversely affect their calcium and phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) by reducing the body's absorption of calcium. Acute Poisoning: Occurs when horses consume plants with high levels of soluble oxalates (containing more than 2% soluble oxalates), causing a rapid reduction in blood calcium levels and formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. Chronic Poisoning: Also known as Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism or 'Big Head', is usually the result of horses grazing on high-oxalate grasses, hay or weeds for at least two months. It causes a calcium deficiency which results in the demineralization of the horse's bones. Without recognization of the problem and treatment, the weak bones will eventually fracture. High oxalate-containing plants Purslane Lambsquarter Chenopodium album Portulaca oleracea Setaria grass Setaria sphacelata Kikuyu grass Pennisetum clandestinum Horses at risk Horses under Performance Horses with immune Lactating mares 3 yrs of age horses disorders Symptoms staggering gait muscle facial depressed; lethargic tremors swelling References Huntington, Peter. (2012). "Keep an Eye on Calcium Balance". Kentucky Equine Research,. Web. 6 Oct 2014. M. M. Rahman, R.B. Abdullah and W.E. Wan Khadijah. (2012). "A review of oxa- late poisoning in domestic animals and performance aspects." Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. TM Horse DVM "Oxalates." Kentucky Equine Research. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. . t