Motor oil and horses...tell me the dangers??????

Question

I am so irrate right now at my barn owner I think I'm going to blow a gasket. I went out to see my horses and noticed the barn owner drenched their stalls down w/motor oil to keep the horses from chewing on the wood but by the looks of my horses, they were wearing as much motor oil as the boards. I was so disgusted I immediately started to scrub the spots off of their faces, muzzles, ears, shoulders, necks, manes, tails, and etc. My one mare is a palomino and to have that mess on her white mane and tail was hard to get out. Its cold here and so I had to be careful not to cause a chill. My biggest concern is the dangers of this being on their coats. They have gotten winter hair coats but some of the areas were pretty thick w/oil and on sensitive areas. I know many moons ago it was normal practice for people to apply motor oil to the hooves but we all know now that this is not a safe practice. I'm trying to find resources on the dangers or causes of motor oil on my horses hair coats.

Ty all for your answers. motor oil is toxic(2500ppm lead) and mutagenic (unknown chemicals) w/ different oils there maybe be other factors, and if the oil is from diesel or gas engine or additives may have differant effects. there are safer products to stop chewing and this is neglect of the owner.

My horses arent chewing the wood. This was just the owner doing all the stalls in the barn for precaution and my horses are on quitt to begin w/.

Answer 1

I would recommend, to discuss with the owner that:

1) Procedures with toxic materials are to be discussed with owners prior to placing it near your horse.

2) It is a toxic. If unhealthy digested to humans. Obviously highly unhealthy to animals.

3) It is also expensive to remove such materials from your horse.

4) If causes sensitivity, to the point your horse requires vet assistance, you will kindly send her the bill. (That is what I have done and police sided with me). Motor oil, just as other liquides soak into the skin, into the blood stream. Reason why some liquides require to use hand protections (gloves) following washing hands. If left on the horse, especially on sensetive spots like face (eyes, nose, lips) and legs (fly bites/open sores), can cause infections and poisoning.

Motor oil contaminates the ground, to the water supply. If placed in trees, it kills the tree along with any animals that live in it: Squirrels, birds etc. Dump sites don't even take used motor oil anymore. It is used as hazardous wastes.

In my area, a person can get fined minimum of $500 for improper disposal of motor oil. (includes property items, used or new oil).

Horses can still chew on it as some horses have extremely odd tastebud. (My gelding loves hot sauce and WD-40). Can kill a horse as it has high lead content in used oil and even in unused oil.

I recommend her saving to replace the wood with non-chewing materials such as poles, tin or other related building material. Even if that means buying a non-chew/non-climb fence attached to the wood. Try bitter apple, cayenne pepper and other verity of chew stop. A lot of horses chew out of boredom or lack of nutrient in their diet.

California State Law.

Answer 2

Dumb barn owner...might as well coat the fence posts with creosote. If you are having a hard time getting the oil out of the coats try dawn dish soap, it's what they use to clean up the animals that suffer from oil spills. Since you've taken care of the horses right away, they shouldn't suffer long term damage. I'd be more concerned if they were eating the wood with oil on it.

Answer 3

They are pretty big animals, I don't think it will hurt them. We tried hydrolic oil on parts of our barn, one pony was chewing bad, didn't stop her though. The only thing that has stopped any horse I've ever seen from chewing is to cure the boredom. More feedings throughout the day, smaller amounts. The only concerns would be if they ingested a few litres of the stuff or if it is really cold and their hair is flattened out by it, they wouldn't be able to keep warm. That would have to be a lot of oil on them though. As far as a carcinogen, I don't know if a one time dose of it would cause cancer? probably not, just wash off as much as you can, maybe try baking soda or something to soak it up then brush it off? maybe chalk would work, not lime though, it could burn them. maybe flour? just some thoughts, good luck, don't be too hard on your barn owner, I'm sure he had good intentions. chewing too much wood would be worse, have you ever heard of perforated guts? ew!

Answer 4

I think 10W-SAE 30 is best in the summer and 10W-SAE 40 is best in the winter.

Answer 5

I cannot give the answer you need-- please ask your veterinarian. I hope you find a safe remedy to this.