CAC VETE ER IMMED DIA AS YOU WAIT FOR THE VETERINARIAN:

has to consume one to two pounds of dried or wilted red maple leaves

i ill ff (As little as half a pound of wilted leaves may be fatal to a small pony or miniature donkey.) But most horses who have access to good pasture and/or hay are unlikely to eat too many leaves. In addition, the amount of toxin in the leaves can vary dramatically from year to year in the same tree---even if a horse ate leaves from a particular tree without harm in the past, eating them k k. The threat of red maple toxicosis is not to be taken e to be especially vigilant: Most cases occur in late summer and early fall--- - es to drop and blow down green leaves, and when autumn leaves change color u

• Keep the horse as still as possible. If he must be walked in to the barn, go slowly and allow him to rest if he has difficulty. Agitation or unnecessary movements that tax the limited supplies of oxygen in his blood may increase the strain on his internal organs.

• If your horse urinates, catch some in a clean bucket. The color will give your veterinarian important clues about his condition. • Allow the horse to eat hay or drink fresh water, if he will. • Remove all fallen maple leaves still within reach of other horses. If necessary, remove horses from the pasture until the fallen branches and debris can be cleared.