Wild Garlic / Wild Onion
Allium spp. (ursinum, vineale)
Horse
Moderate
Any suspected ingestion is an immediate veterinary emergency. Significant consumption (more than 0.5% of body weight, i.e, several kilograms) over several days.
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Supportive treatment: blood transfusion if necessary, oxygen therapy.
- Time to signs
- 24 to 72 hours
- Prognosis
- Good if intoxication is stopped in time and anemia is not too severe. Red blood cells regenerate within a few weeks.
- Call the veterinarian immediately.
- Avoid all physical exertion.
- Monitor for signs of anemia.
- Prepare for blood work (hematocrit).
Its ID card
- Height
- 20 cm – 60 cm
- Flowering
- April to June
- Toxic parts
- Entire plant (bulbs, leaves, flowers).
- Toxin
- Sulfur derivatives (n-propyl disulfide).
- Habitat
- Wild Garlic: Damp, shaded undergrowth. Wild Onion: Dry pastures, vineyards.
- Soil indicator
- Wild Garlic: Calcareous, rich, moist, and shaded soils.
- Regions
- Europe (Undergrowth, forest edges)
- In hay
- Yes — stays toxic once dried
- Palatability
- Curiously, some horses enjoy the taste and may eat large quantities if they have access.
When the risk rises
March to June (spring growth of leaves and exposed bulbs).
Spotting it in the field
Lily-of-the-valley (highly toxic), Autumn Crocus (deadly). The strong garlic odor is the only reliable distinguishing feature. — smell : strong, acrid, and penetrating garlic odor when crushed or cut.
- Large, smooth leaves, similar to lily-of-the-valley.
- White, star-shaped flowers.
- Strong garlic odor when crushed.
- Hollow, cylindrical stems for wild onion.
- Bulb with a strong garlic odor.
Signs to watch for
Both acute and chronic (cumulative) toxicity
Dose : Approximately 0.5% of body weight ingested over several days (i.e, several kilograms for a horse). Toxicity is cumulative.
- Very pale or yellowish mucous membranes (jaundice)
- Dark urine (red/brown, hemoglobinuria)
- Very rapid pulse and breathing upon exertion
- Depression and profound weakness
- Strong garlic/onion smell on breath or feces
Who is affected
Other species : Highly toxic to dogs and cats (onion/garlic). Ruminants are slightly more resistant.
In pregnant mares : possible abortion due to fetal hypoxia (maternal anemia).
Getting rid of it
Method : Uproot plants manually before flowering, wearing gloves. Destroy uprooted plants (hot composting or incineration) to prevent bulb dissemination.
- Identify and remove areas of high wild garlic concentration in pastures.
- Fence off high-risk areas in spring.
- Closely monitor horses in areas where these plants grow.
- Avoid grazing horses in undergrowth or forest edges during spring.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Wild Garlic / Wild Onion from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Wild Garlic / Wild Onion dangerous in hay?
This entry flags hay vigilance. Isolate suspicious forage and ask for professional advice if exposure is possible.
This page is informational. If ingestion is likely, if signs appear, or if the horse is fragile, contact a veterinarian immediately.