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Cause
Eating the
ragwort plants either fresh in the field or paddock where they are usually
very bitter and unpalatable, or more seriously dried and hidden in hay where
they are much more palatable. The plant causes liver damage, the signs of
which only become apparent when most of the liver is damaged beyond repair
and is potentially fatal.
Signs
Loss of weight and appetite, yawning and signs of mild colic, droppings can
be either drier that usual or watery in consistency, jaundice (yellow colour)
in the mouth and eye, uncoordinated movements.
Treatment
There is very little conventional treatment for liver damage apart from
Vitamin B complex and supportive medication. Some Alternative therapies
stress the detoxification process and suggest the consentrated use of detox
agents over a short period of time even in the case of severe liver damage.
As the prognosis is dire this course of action may be considered useful. In
addition some preparations are available that can be fed regularly to
continually aid the detox of any toxins ingested should, for example, hidden
ragwort in hay be eaten unknown to the horse owner. By far the most
important action any horse owner can take is to rid their field of ragwort by
digging it up with the aid of a ragfork and gloves and burning it. Sourcing
the best quality hay available is another important measure and even viewing
the fields from which the hay will be made to ensure no ragwort is growing in
or near it. Check that you can recognise the weed by consulting your library
or knowledgeable friend or your vet.
PEGASUS HEALTH PRODUCTS
THAT CAN HELP
LiveAid Liquid
an Ayurvedic herbal
formula for a fast consentrated detox programme and
LiveAid Powder
for long term detox
and preventative use.
Milk Thistle
is a straight herb that
has good detox properties and, it is claimed, some liver regenerative
properties.
SandAway
pure psyllium husks clear
the hind gut and bowels of any unwanted contents fast and safely. |