|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description:
|
|
Red
maple is a tree with 3-5 lobed leaves that are palmately veined. In
autumn the leaves turn red, purple, or orange. The inflorescence is
an elongated cluster composed of smaller clusters of male and female
flowers that are usually red. The fruit is a samara (often called
"helicopters" by children). The wood is used for furniture,
cabinets, and flooring. |
|
|
Toxic
Part: |
|
The
wilted leaves are reportedly toxic. |
|
|
Toxin: |
|
Unknown |
|
|
Symptoms: |
|
Consumption
of wilted red maple leaves has been reported to cause severe illness
and death in horses. Clinical signs of red maple poisoning include
depression, anorexia, difficult or labored breathing, jaundice of
the whites of eyes (yellowing), and an increase in heart rate. Horses
that consume wilted red maple leaves often develop hemolytic anemia
which is characterized by red blood cell destruction in the spleen
or bloodstream. |
|
Treatment: |
|
Recommended
treatment includes supportive care for symptoms and denying animal
access to red maple leaf material. Plumlee suggests blood transfusions
for the anemia if it is severe. If however, the animal is in renal
failure, this treatment may not be effective. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
References:
39, 144, 174, 188
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This
site is NOT a substitute for the advice of medical physician.
Plant poisonings can, in certain cases, result in SERIOUS HARM AND
EVEN DEATH. Please contact a physician or your local poison control
center if you suspect any plant poisoning. A link to the Georgia Poison
Control Center can be found on the "References and Links"
page of this site. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
