1-855-957-8378
🚚 FREE SHIPPING on All U.S. Orders Over $200
Benefab®
Cart 0
  • Home
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
  • Wishlist
Australia (AUD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Canada (CAD $)
Costa Rica (CRC ₡)
Czechia (CZK Kč)
France (EUR €)
Germany (EUR €)
Italy (EUR €)
Japan (JPY ¥)
New Zealand (NZD $)
United Kingdom (GBP £)
United States (USD $)
English
Benefab®
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 4

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
Wishlist Cart 0

Search our store

Benefab®
Wishlist Cart 0
Home / Blog
Blog

Equine Botulism

Mar 08, 2019
Botulism is sometimes referred to as “forage poisoning” in adult horses or shaker foal syndrome in foals. Botulism occurs when a horse ingests the neurotoxic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. which are found in soils, sediments, plant matter, and in the intestinal tracts of animals. Toxins are created by this bacterium in an environment of decaying plants or animals that can affect nerve function. While sometimes, no symptoms are seen before an animal is found dead. Typically there is a progressive motor impairment that leads to paralysis. Though the disease is not common, it is fatal and needs to be treated immediately.

Clinical Signs:

  1. Progressive weakness or paralysis
  2. Difficulty swallowing
  3. Loss of tongue control
  4. Constipation or Colic
  5. Weak eyelid tone
  6. Pupil dilation or slow pupil response
  7. Respiratory distress
  8. Drooling
  9. Depression
  10. Pacing
  11. Frequent shift of weight

Causes of Botulism in Horses:

There are three ways in which horses can acquire the Clostridium botulinum toxin.
  1. Ingestion of hay or other foodstuffs that have been contaminated with the Clostridium botulinum toxin.
  2. Ingestion of the Clostridium botulinum spores that germinate within the gastrointestinal tract.
  3. Wounds that contract the Clostridium botulinum spores and provide a suitable environment for the bacteria to grow.
Botulism toxins can permanently harm the nervous system. They travel through the horse's bloodstream, eventually reaching the myoneural junction, where signals pass from motor neuron to muscle fiber. After penetrating neuron cells, the toxins bind to the synaptic vesicles, sacs that contain the molecules (acetylcholine) that signal the muscle to contract. This prevents the chemical's release, and the outcome is paralysis. Botulism can be difficult to diagnose, either because it can be fatal before symptoms are present, or because it can mimic other problems, such as choke or colic. Botulism treatment includes a combination of antitoxin administration and supportive care. Veterinarians should give the horse antitoxin as soon as clinical signs and case history point toward botulism. Recovery is good if administration of the antitoxin is early enough. If the disease has progressed too far, and your horse is unable to breathe, the condition can be fatal. Make sure any dietary issues are taken care of, and any contaminated foodstuffs are disposed of. Any decaying grass should be removed. Prevent this fatal infection through vaccination. Vaccination in pregnant mares can prevent botulism in foals.
Previous
Canine Acupressure
Next
Does your dog get anxiety in the car?

Related Articles

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
July 04, 2025

What You Should Know About Hock Injections

If your horse feels off, like dragging behind or having rough transitions, it could be...
Read more
Essential Oils for Dogs
June 27, 2025

Essential Oils for Dogs

It’s no secret that essential oils have become a household favorite for everything from stress...
Read more
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
June 20, 2025

Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide

Whether you're preparing for a local fair or a major livestock competition, grooming your animal...
Read more
Chia Seeds for Horses
May 22, 2025

Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from...
Read more

Recent Posts

What You Should Know About Hock Injections
What You Should Know About Hock Injections
Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential Oils for Dogs
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Clipping Cattle for Show: A Complete Guide
Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia Seeds for Horses
Common Diseases of Cattle
Common Diseases of Cattle
White Line Disease in Horses
White Line Disease in Horses
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment

Focused &
Durable Designs

Products made specifically for you and your pets.

Free U.S. Shippingon All Orders over $200

We have you covered.

We Back Our
Products 100%

It's our customer promise.

BRAND PARTNERS

  • Become a Dealer
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Registered Nonprofit
  • Logins for Dealer
  • Logins for Affiliate
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Meet our Ambassadors

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Contact
  • Shipping
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty & Return Policy
  • Medical / Brand Disclaimer
  • FAQs

ABOUT BENEFAB

  • Why Choose Benefab?
  • The Benefab Story
  • Parables Podcast
  • Our Sister Brands
  • Media Inquiries
  • Blog
© 2013 -2025 Benefab®. Property of the Naar Boven Corporation. All rights reserved. Powered by TCW Digital
Payment options:
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.