Australia is home to several plants and trees that can be toxic to horses. Here are 5 trees found everywhere in Australia that are known to be poisonous to horses:
1. Oleander (Nerium oleander) - This ornamental shrub contains cardiac glycosides, which are highly toxic to horses.
2. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) - Consumption of boxwood leaves can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other health problems in horses. This plant is ubiquitous as a hedge, but definitely one to avoid on your property.
3. Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) - The seeds of the castor bean plant are highly toxic to horses if ingested. This will often pop up spontaneously, so make sure you dispose of saplings as soon as they appear.
4. White Cedar (Melia azedarach) - All parts of the white cedar tree are toxic to horses and can cause colic and other symptoms. This tree is a very attractive ornamental widely planted, so be vigilant.
5. Poinciana (Delonix regia) - The seeds and pods of the poinciana tree can be harmful to horses if consumed in large quantities. This is another popular ornamental tree with very pretty red flowers. If your neighbour as this tree, be quick to rake up pods and dispose. This is also toxic to dogs.
While it's great to provide shade trees and wind breaks in your paddock, it's crucial for horse owners and caretakers in Australia to be familiar with the local vegetation and ensure that their horses are not exposed to any potentially toxic plants or trees. These species are readily available at your local nursery or Bunnings store, so it's up to you to choose wisely when it comes to planting in your pasture.
It's always handy to have a toxin binder on hand in your feed shed should your horse get into something they ought not.
Tuff Rock GI is a great produce to administer over the tongue in cases of colic or suspected toxins. Of course, we would encourage you to seek veterinary attention, but after you have made that call, administer 50ml of Tuff Rock GI over the tongue, and you made be able to cancel that appointment.
Sound Advice Mycosorb Toxin Binder - at 10g per day it's great bang-for-buck when it comes to piece of mind, Mycosorb binds toxins in the gut.
Comments