Today is Monday and that means back to the office and another toxic plant of the week. Recently I’ve been featuring a plant that is toxic to horses every week. Today we take a look at the potentially dangerous (and strangely ironic) but always beautiful Apple Tree.
A Little About The Apple Tree
Malus domestica is the Apple Tree which grows broad with dense twigs, oval leaves that grow alternate, white flowers in the spring and red/green/golden fruit in the autumn.
How Dangerous Is It?
Yes, apples are a favorite (although messy) horse treat, however the seeds are toxic and equines should not be allowed unlimited access to apple trees. Horses don’t alway stop when they should, especially when it comes to the fruit.
Seeds, stems and wilting leaves are toxic & can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Toxicity from apple leaves, stems or seeds causes symptoms that can include red mucus membranes, dilated pupils, respiratory problems, depression, colic & convulsions.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Apple Tree page to learn more about the plant and while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?
*It should be noted that I’m not a veterinarian. This information is written specifically for horses and should be used for reference purposes only. If you think your horse has eaten something toxic call your vet right away.
OMG the fruit the horse loves best is toxic! Well, I know not to give out too many apples to a horse, but I didn’t know that the stems, seeds and sometimes leaves were sometimes fatal. Thanks a lot.
Snoo