VET TALK  
by Amy Ortez, DVM
Dr. Amy Ortez, DVM
Dr. Amy  Ortez grew up spending most of her time in and around barns outside of Philadelphia, PA.  After spending many years working in various aspects of the horse industry, Amy made the decision to attend veterinary school at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada.  Since graduating, Amy has made her home near Rochester, NY where she is a mixed animal practitioner.  There is no aspect of equine medicine that does not interest her.  Amy is also the proud owner of several horses that she enjoys riding.

FALL TOXIC PLANTS FOR HORSES
by Amy Ortez, DVM

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  The cooler temperatures, changing leaves and fewer biting insects are a beautiful transition from summer's heat and winter's harshness.  Despite all the beauty, there are some dangers lurking in the falling leaves and harvest.

RED MAPLE (Acer rubrum)

The red maple (Acer rubrum), as known as swamp or soft maple, is highly toxic to horses.  The wilting leaves can cause kidney failure and anemia.  The classic clinical sign is hematuria or blood in the urine that causes it to be red.  Red maple trees should not be anywhere near horses because the risk of causing fatal kidney damage is too high.  
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) tree, leaves, seeds

BLACK WALNUT (Juglans nigra)

Another life threatening plant is black walnut (Juglans nigra).  Horses do not need to ingest the tree to be threatened by this toxic plant.  Horses standing on bedding contaminated with black walnut shavings can have career and even life threating laminitis.  If purchasing bedding straight from a mill, it is imperative that it be free of black walnut. 
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) leaves and fruit, bar, tree (shown in middle of grouping)

DEADLY NIGHT SHADE (Atropa belladona)

Towards the end of last summer a number of local horses had what seemed like an inexplicable severely neurologic condition.  After a significant amount of grief and investigation, the culprit was found.  Deadly night shade (Atropa belladona) had been baled up with the hay.  It causes gastrointestinal problems, central nervous issues and cardiovascular disease.  It has earned it's "deadly" name. Horses normally would not eat it but if it is accidentally baled up, they will consume it unbeknownst to anyone.  

PRUNUS FAMILY 

Common foods that are toxic to horses include members of the prunus family such as cherries, choke cherries, etc.  Plants of the prunus family are toxic including cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and chokecherries. They have cyanide-like affects that can cause seizures and death.   Avocados affect many organ systems including the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, respiratory system and cardiovascular system. Tomato plants and potatoes are also toxic but rarely consumed in large enough quantities. Both tomatoes and potatoes are members of the nightshade family.
Cherries
Chokecherries
Avocado
Tomato Plants
Potatoes
While this list is not comprehensive, it contains some of the most commonly found toxic plants.  Being familiar with these plants and their clinical signs will help prevent deadly diseases.  For a more exhaustive list, reference the animal poison control or the ASPCA website.  They are an invaluable website for all animals and animal poison control has a hotline where they can answer your questions regarding potential animal poisoning for a small fee.  
Editor's Note:  When taking your horse to a new location, or a new area of the country to ride, be sure to do your homework about what plants you may encounter.  While riding in Washington State, I found Foxglove, Yew, Rhododendron, Scotts Brush all growing as native plants and even in some forests along trails.  Take a little extra time to educate yourself about your surroundings.  It could be well worth the effort.

Tufts Center for Animals and Public Policy
is conducting research on Wild Horse Adoptions

Researchers at the Center for Animals and Public Policy at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, MA are conducting a pilot survey of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wild horses adopted in New England.  This research will help prepare for a larger national survey.  The research is being done with hopes of improving the success and rate of adoptions of BLM wild horses.  

This is an independent research project.  It is not sponsored by the BLM;  however, the overall results from the survey will be shared with the BLM.
WHO:     If you are 18 years or older, live in New England, and have adopted a wild horse directly from the BLM between 2006 and 2015, you are eligible to participate, whether or not you still own the wild horse.

HOW:     The researchers are asking for volunteers to participate in an on-line survey that will take 10-15 minutes to complete.  They are interested in ALL adoption experiences  - both positive and not so positive - all experiences are important for understanding how to improve adoption sucess.

WHEN:    The on-line survey will be available until September 17, 2016 at http://ittybittyurl.com/new_england_wild_horse_survey_2016 (click her for direct link to survey).  If you would like to participate, but prefer to complete the survey NOT on-line, or if you would like more information about the survey, please email Mary A. Koncel at Mary.Koncel@tufts.edu or Allen T. Rutberg at Allen.Rutberg@tufts.edu or call 508.839.7991.
DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Information found on this website
is meant for educational and informational purposes only.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.