- Scientific Name: - Astragalus and Oxytropis species - Where
Found: - 300 different species in North America; those of toxic
concern typically found from the Rocky Mountains westward and
Western Texas into New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico. - Toxic to
Horses - Toxic Principles: - Clinical Signs: - The plant is not
very palatable, but will be eaten by animals with no other
forage; once eaten, animals become "addicted" to the plant and
will not consume other forage. The toxic principle has the most
profound effect on the brain, and toxicity (known as "locoism")
occurs after ingestion of more than 30% of the animal's body
weight over a period of 6 weeks or longer. Clinical signs
include a loss of sensory and motor nerve function, central
nervous system depression, progressive loss of coordination,
inability to eat and drink, as well as fetal death and birth
defects. Affected animals may become excessively excitable and
wild when stimulated, and may also become unaware of their
surroundings. If your pet ingested th