Bermuda Grass – Toxic Plant of the Week

Welcome to toxic plant Monday where it’s time to learn more about plants that can do harm to our equine friends. Moving on to the B’s, this week we take a closer look at a fairly common grass, Bermuda Grass whose toxicity is actually not it’s fault.

A Little About Bermuda Grass & Ergot

Cynodon dactylon is Bermuda Grass and can be fed to horses under good conditions. However it can be dangerous in climates where ergot can emerge & grow on (primarily tropical climates). The grass itself has short grey/green blades with rough edges and seed heads that grow at the top of purple tinted stems. Ergot is a small brown/black nodule fungus that grows in seed clusters.

How Dangerous Is It?

Ergot is a problem for owners of pastured animals in tropical climates where it thrives and it’s especially dangerous to pregnant mares. Unfortunately Burmuda Grass is highly invasive and has a deep root system so it’s difficult to remove. In tropical climates horses shouldn’t be allowed to graze Bermuda unless it’s been checked first and supervised.

It’s not the grass, but the Ergot fungus which is toxic to equinest.

What To Look For

You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Toxicity from Ergot on Bermuda Grass can cause a couple of problems including ‘Bermuda Grass Shakes’ or ‘ Dallis Grass Tremors’ and can cause pregnant mares to abort. Symptoms can include tremors and/or lack of coordination, strange head movements, rolling tongue and paralysis. Luckily removal of toxin from the system generally clears symptoms up, but it’s important to contact your vet anyway.

Learn More

Be sure to check out the Bermuda Grass page to learn more about the plant and while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?

*It should be noted that I’m not a veterinarian. This information is written specifically for horses and should be used for reference purposes only. If you think your horse has eaten something toxic call your vet right away.