[Accident report: animal nutrition in veterinary medicine--actual cases: houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) in pasture--a health hazard for horses].

Meteorism and colics were observed in horses after grazing on young pasture. The botanical analysis of a sample as taken by the owner revealed a great diversity of grasses, herbs and legumes. Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) in its rosette stage was identified in amounts of 1% of the total sample, although this cannot be regarded as representative for the composition of the green fodder. This plant has been reported to be highly toxic for horses and other species, mainly during the early growth stadium due to its contents of pyrrolizidin alkaloids with a strong hepatotoxic activity. In the present case it remained unclear, whether the horses actually ingested this poisonous plant in relevant amounts. In general it has to be emphasised, that a contamination especially of hay or silage bears a severe risk for horses. The contamination of green fodder with houndstongue can be a serious problem for the feeding practice in certain regions (dry grassland, loess or shell lime soil, extensive management).