Alsike clover toxicity in horses

Symptoms of alsike clover poisoning in horses

It’s not known exactly what in alsike clover causes the toxic reaction, but it’s suspected that mycotoxin plays a part.

Horses that digest large amounts of alsike clover are at risk of:

• Photosensitivity
  This means your horse will have increased sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays, which can result in skin damage resembling sunburned skin. White or light-coloured horses are at greater risk of this.
• Liver damage
  It is unusual for horses to have liver damage, but it can occur if the horse has eaten large amounts of alsike clover. This can cause the liver to cease functioning properly, inhibiting the ability for metabolism to take place – and also from breaking down the poison present in alsike clover.
  Reduced liver function can also lead to secondary photosensitivity.

Other symptoms include:

• Poor appetite
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Elevated body temperature
• Water swelling (edema) in the lower part of the legs
• Jaundice
• Diarrhoea
• Bleeding rash
• Ulcers in the oral cavity

Treating liver damage in horses

Supportive therapy is needed to treat liver damage in horses – and the effectiveness of this depends on how extensively the liver has been affected.

While liver damage is often treatable, some cases can be fatal. It is important that you contact a veterinarian if you suspect that your horse is poisoned.

How to spot alsike clover

There are many different types of clover and it can be difficult to know which is which.

Alsike clover's flower is similar to white clover, but the key difference is that alsike clover grows higher than standard white clover. If the clover is growing in an upright position, it Is likely to be alsike clover.

Alsike clover flowers are white or red/pink – and the leaves are egg-shaped.

Learn about other problems to look out for, like sycamore and acorn poisoning in horses.