White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)

This chapter presents the traditional categories of overview, etiology/pathophysiology, signalment/history, clinical features, key differential diagnosis, diagnostics, and therapeutics of tansy white snakeroot toxicology in equine. White snakeroot contains a group of related compounds collectively known as tremetol, of which tremetone is the major toxin. Affected horses develop necrosis of cardiac and skeletal muscle, and possibly secondary acute kidney injury related to myoglobinuria. Horses with myoglobinuria and dehydration are at risk of acute kidney injury – urine output should be monitored. The chapter is an indispensable reference for veterinary clinicians and students dealing with equine medicine, as well as for anyone seeking concise and comprehensive information about equine toxicology.