Names
Hordeum jubatum
Description
Perennial grass that grows to 2 feet. Leaf blades are one to six inches. Seeds are in bristly, open awns up to three inches long.
Concern Level
High concern in areas where they grow, they are abundant and highly problematic. Keep your animals clear of fields that contain foxtail.
Toxic Parts
Awns have small barbs on them and when they attach to the animals body (face, feet, legs, wherever) they can bury themselves in the skin. From extremities they can actually travel into the bloodstream and into the heart. From the face and neck they can become lodged in ears, nose and lungs.
Symptoms
Can vary depending upon where the awn was picked up, strange or painful behavior should be thoroughly investigated.
Danger
Awns cause serious mechanical damage and can be fatal.
More Information
Mczar (it’s dog specific info, but the dangers are the same for all animals).
*It should be noted that we are not veterinarians. 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.