November 2007
Red Maple Toxic to Horses
The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) tree should not be in your horse’s pasture, or even near it. If the boughs of the tree hang over your field and the leaves drop in Autumn, you can be in a position to poison your horse.
As the leaves fall from the tree and lose their source of life support, cyanide comes out as they dry. Cyanide inhibits the red blood cell’s capacity to transport oxygen through the system, creating anemic symptoms such as lack of energy. Damage to the liver and kidneys will manifest in dark urine and discolored gums.
Controversy abounds as to the quantity of leaves that would be lethal to a horse. Some people state 3 lbs; others use 3% of the horse’s weight as a rule of thumb. Do not risk anything. If you suspect any possibility of poisoning or even toxic access of the dried leaves, watch your horse's behavior and be prepared to call your vet. There is no known cure at this point. The best we can do is try to flush out the poison with IV fluids.
Other trees also poisonous to horses:
- choke cherry
- wild black cherry
- pin cherry
Their leaves and bark contain amygdalin, a material that converts to cyanic or prussic acid as leaves are crushed or wilt, which causes cyanide poisoning when ingested. (The same toxic principle occurs in Sudan grass, Johnson grass, sorghum, and some other plants if not harvested early enough). Cherry often causes poisonings when a tree or branch falls into a horse pasture; the branch wilts, and the horses eat the bark or leaves. Signs of toxicity often are seen within 20 minutes; they include apprehensive behavior, rapid and labored respiration, weakness, stumbling, spasms and convulsions, coma, and death.
Get to know the trees on your property to recognize those that are toxic to our animal friends.
ONE EXPERT’S ADVICE
Mary Ann Simonds, noted Equine BehavioristAlthough Red Maple is toxic, Big Leaf Maple is very tasty and is an astringent.
I have watched horses eat cherry pits off the ground for days with no ill affects, so although I believe they are toxic, often Nature guides horses to eat what they need. If your horses eat toxic plants, ask what they might be seeking (bitter is often the taste they want). I have noticed that horses already toxic from hay fertilizers will seek bitter, often toxic herbs in an attempt to stimulate the liver, but in fact causing more toxicity. Usually horses stay away from toxic plants if they are provided free choice good forage.
Tips for Feeding Omegas
by Shari FrederickSupport healthy connective tissue, point elasticity strength, re-tension stretched ligaments and relax overly tight or shortened ligaments, by adding flaxseed to your horse’s diet as a preventative.
Land Preservation Efforts Honored
with Breyer Model
Where will you ride tomorrow? Many equestrians face that question today as land available for equestrian use continues to wane. Whether it’s for pasture, growing feed crops, or riding, land use (and the loss thereof) is one of the greatest issues facing horse owners today.
Most Flu Vaccines Contain Mercury
"There's no conclusive scientific evidence that the amount of mercury one might get from a flu shot is linked with any neurological development outcome that's negative."
Read Your Feed Label
Do not assume that the bag you bought today contains the same rations as the bag you bought last week or last month, even if you’re buying from the same mill.
Life-Saving Surgery Performed on Smithsonian National Zoo's Zebra
Blacksburg, Va., November 8, 2007 -- A faculty member at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center recently lent assistance to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park when one of its two zebras became ill with a life-threatening case of colic.
Horse Harmony
Understanding Horse Types and Temperaments ... Are You and Your Horse a Good Match?If you are a horse lover, you have probably experienced the pain and frustration of finding "the perfect horse"—only to discover later that the two of you are a poor match.
In our next issue of Holistic Horse Magazine
Cold Weather Comforts by Brenda Thoma
Seasonal "nudges help keep your horse healthy all year long.Fiber is the Key for Colder Weather
by Melyni Worth, PhD, PAS
As the weather gets colder, our horses need feedingprograms geared for warmth.
Is Your Barn Ready for Winter?
by Brenda ThomaThe long mild days of summer have passed, and the cool bright days of fall are waning. Winter is just around the corner and it’s time to take a good look around your horse’s home to ensure the facility is ready to withstand whatever winter brings to your neighborhood.
′Tis the Season for Wintertime Hoof Care
by Bryan Farcus, MA, CJF
Horses are among the most adaptable creatures on earth. With an appropriate level of care, their transition to winter is normally effortless.
QiGong and Essential Oils for Winter Warmth
by Susan Holowchak
Looking for alternatives to increase circulation and warm up during the winter season? Consider essential oils and the “orbiting” energy practice of QiGong
Making Sense of Omegas: Flax, Hemp, Fish Oil, Something Else?
by Shari Frederick
A balanced ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids should be 3:1. What ratio is in your horse’s diet?
Older Horses and "Incisor Periodontal Disease"
by P.J. Murphy, BSc, CA/EqDT
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