Red Maple Trees & Effects on Horses

Although red maple trees (Acer rubrum) are beautiful to look at, their wilted leaves are poisonous to horses. Horses can die within days of eating wilted red maple leaves, according to David Marshall, DMV.
    • Red maple leaves are toxic to horses

    Function

    • According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food &Rural Affairs, withered and dried red maple leaves poison horses and ponies because they contain gallic acid. This acid causes the horse to develop hemolytic anemia, or not enough red blood cells.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of red maple leaf poisoning in horses include becoming very drowsy, lack of appetite, trouble breathing and a rapid heart rate. This is because the horse's body is not getting the oxygen it needs.

    Time Frame

    • Death from eating wilted red maple leaves has been known to kill horses in as little as 18 hours or as long as one week, but the average time is two or three days.

    Misconception

    • Fresh red maple leaves are not toxic to horses. But as soon as the leaves start to wilt or curl up, they become deadly. Still, it is not worth the risk allowing horses to eat even fresh leaves.

    Prevention

    • Red maple trees should be removed from horse pastures, around stable areas or where horses routinely graze. Horses should not be permitted to eat tree leaves when you're riding.