Slobbering, Salivation, and Clover Poisoning

Slobbering and Excessive Salivation and Clover Poisoning in Horses
  • Clover Poisoning
  • Choke
  • Mouth Diseases

by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Diagnosis » Clover Poisoning » Esophageal Obstruction » Mouth Problems » More Info & Discussions

Excessive slobbering is a commonly reported problem in horses. Saliva is a clear, sticky fluid that in a healthy horse has little odor other than the last thing he ate. This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of some of the common problems including clover poisoning, choke (esophageal obstruction), and mouth diseases. Slobbering can be caused by a number of problems some which may be serious, so if you cannot determine a cause, call a vet.

Diagnosis

Introduction » Diagnosis » Clover Poisoning » Esophageal Obstruction » Mouth Problems » More Info & Discussions

There are many cause of excessive salivation in horses. History, onset, nature of the slobber, and a physical examination of the mouth will lead to a diagnosis:
  • Profuse slobbering of a clear thick saliva in horses exposed to clover with no other clinical signs including healthy gums and normal breath, consider clover poisoning.
  • Profuse slobbering during or just following feeding with food contaminated slobber and the horse is acting distressed and will not eat, consider esophageal obstruction.
  • Slobbering with remarkable signs of gum irritation or bad breath, consider mouth diseases including plant awn irritation.
The following discusses each of these problems in more detail. Clover poisoning, treatment and prevention are discussed in detail here. Esophageal obstruction and mouth diseases are briefly discussed and a link provided to specific articles on the problems.

Clover Poisoning

Introduction » Diagnosis » Clover Poisoning » Esophageal Obstruction » Mouth Problems » More Info & Discussions

                       
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