| Term | Aconite |
| Category | Herbs |
| Definition | Aconite is a highly toxic plant from the buttercup family. It is not suitable as a forage plant for horses and can be dangerous even in small amounts. |
| Effects & Risks | Aconite contains highly toxic alkaloids, especially aconitine. These affect the nerves, muscles, and heart, and can trigger severe cardiac arrhythmias as well as neurological symptoms. |
| Application | Aconite has no application in horse feeding. Plants should be consistently removed from pastures, roadsides, and near paddocks, or made inaccessible. |
| Fresh or dried? | Aconite is toxic both fresh and dried. Even dried plant parts in hay can remain dangerous and must not be fed. |
| Important to know | Possible signs of poisoning include salivation, restlessness, muscle weakness, trembling, coordination problems, cardiac arrhythmias, and circulatory failure. If ingestion is suspected, veterinary help is required immediately. |
| Related terms | Poisonous plants · Poisoning · Cardiac arrhythmias · Pasture management · Yew |
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Yew (Taxus baccata)
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