The bark, leaves, and twigs of willow trees contain salicin, a compound that is converted to salicylic acid in the horse's body. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in aspirin, and it can cause a number of side effects in horses, including gastrointestinal upset, colic, and kidney damage. In severe cases, willow tree poisoning can even be fatal.
Symptoms of willow tree poisoning in horses can include:
* Colic
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Lethargy
* Depression
* Difficulty breathing
* Kidney damage
* Liver damage
* Death
If you think your horse has eaten any part of a willow tree, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. Treatment for willow tree poisoning will depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include:
* Administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins
* Providing supportive care, such as fluids and electrolytes
* Treating the symptoms of willow tree poisoning, such as colic, diarrhea, and vomiting
* Monitoring the horse's kidney and liver function
With early diagnosis and treatment, most horses will recover from willow tree poisoning. However, it is important to keep horses away from willow trees to prevent poisoning from occurring.