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Is yellow star-thistle poisonous to pets?
Yellow star-thistle is highly poisonous to horses. Although horses usually come upon it when grazing in pastures, it can also end up being baled into hay, with both the fresh and dried forms of the plant being toxic. Yellow star-thistle contains 8 toxic lactones in particular that accumulate in a horse's body over time, after which they cause irreversible neurological damage. A horse that is experiencing yellow star-thistle poisoning will not be able to eat or drink properly, although they will keep moving their mouth as though they are chewing. Their tongue may be hanging out or curled, and they could also develop muscular paralysis, which again prevents them from being able to drink. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek the advice of a veterinarian immediately. Failing to do so will likely cause the horse to die from dehydration or starvation. In the future, mow or spray any pastures containing yellow star-thistle, and ensure that hay bales are free of it too.
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