False Dandelion/Flat Weed Toxicosis

False Dandelion/Flat Weed Toxicosis



Basic Information image



Definition




• Stringhalt, a unique disease of horses characterized by spasmodic hyperflexion of one or both hind legs, has been associated with horses eating Hypochaeris radicata (cat’s ear, flat weed).


• Other plants that have been associated with stringhalt include sweet peas (Lathyrus spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and mallow (Malva parviflora).



Synonym(s)




• H. radicata is commonly known as cat’s ear, hairy cat’s ear, false dandelion, and flat weed.


• “Australian stringhalt” refers to a similar condition in horses in Australia associated with grazing the same plant.



Epidemiology



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


All breeds may be affected, with Thoroughbreds being commonly affected and ponies rarely.



Risk Factors




• Overgrazed pastures with heavy infestation of false dandelion (flat weed)


• Poisoning is most common in late summer.



Geography and Seasonality




• False dandelion is a perennial, native plant of most of North America, Australia, and New Zealand that has become a nuisance weed in some areas.


• Closely resembling the common dandelion, H. radicata has a rosette of basal leaves and multiple branching flower stems (Figure 1) in contrast to the single-flowered stems of the dandelion.


image

FIGURE 1 False dandelion, or flat weed (Hypochaeris radicata).



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes


Stringhalt may be intermittent and vary from mild to severe, resulting in an abnormal gait and lameness.

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Related posts:

  1. Aggressive Stallion Behavior
  2. Aflatoxin Toxicosis
  3. Biliary Atresia
  4. Black Widow Spider Toxicosis

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on False Dandelion/Flat Weed Toxicosis

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access