Video Story
Watch VideoLocal weed poisoning horses
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
A number of El Paso county horses are eating something that's making them sick. A local horse veterinarian suspects ragwort - golden ragwort. Dr. Holly Collela says she's treated eight horses and expects all will recover, but worries more will get sick if horse owners don't remove the noxious weed from pastures. "It contains alkaloids - toxins and can lead to irreversible liver damage." Symptoms include rapid weight loss and jaundice. Dr. Collela says fortunately most horses don't want to eat it because it's not palatable, but on occasion a horse will seek it out. She urges horse owners to get on the internet, see what it looks like and if it's on their property - get rid of it. There will be a toxic plants seminar for horse owners Saturday July 12 at the Kit Carson Riding Club at 6775 Cowpoke Rd in Colorado Springs from then 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is five dollars. Lunch is seven dollars.
