Mountain Laurel and Horses
Hello - I
have a question regarding Mountain Laurel and horses. I am planning to
move my horse to a piece of land in New Hampshire where there is Mountain
Laurel. I have heard that this is poisonous to horses, is this true? Is
it fatal, or will the animal get sick? Also, would horses eat it? or
ignore it as they do to many other bushes and shrubs?
Mountain Laurel is a dense, woody round-topped shrub, common in rocky wooded areas. This evergreen plant can grow ten feet tall, and has two to five inch, elliptical leaves whirled in threes.
Ingestion of the leaves is potentially fatal to any animal, including horses and humans. The fatal dose varies with time of year and the animal's individual susceptibility to the toxin.
The toxin is a chemical in the Heath family of plants. Interestingly, the Delaware Indians recognized the potent toxin, and used it for ceremonial suicides.
A poisoned horse will initially show signs of anorexia, hypersalivation, depression and weakness. As it progresses, nausea and regurgitation, difficulty breathing and total collapse occurs, leading to death. Some poisoned horses recover, dependent on dose and quickness of veterinary care.
Your horse may or may not like the taste of this plant. It is best to remove all unknown plants and poisonous plants from your horse property, and to avoid browsing vegetation while riding.
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