Red maple leaf toxicity

[VeroniqueM]

Hello!

I'm just wondering how frequently red maple leaf toxicity is seen overall in north eastern United-States, especially in the fall season when the leaves fall to the ground. I'm also wondering if certain species might be more vulnerable or more resistant to this toxicity. I'm wondering more specifically about alpacas and goats.
I'm guessing it's probably dose-dependant? Could one maple leaf ingested endanger an animal's life? Maybe it depends on the animal's susceptibility... I'm thinking that younger animals might be more at risk then adults?
Knowing that this toxicity can damage red blood cells due to the toxins contained in the red maple leafs, would Arsenicum album make sense as a potential choice of remedy if red maple leaf ingestion is suspected? I was also thinking about China as a potential remedy differential if the symptoms match, but the toxic nature of the issue makes me consider Arsenicum more strongly.
Your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated
As I live far north in northern Ontario and we don't have red maple trees growing there, this is not a type of toxicity that I'm familiar with.

Thanks in advance,

Véronique

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'm just wondering how frequently red maple leaf toxicity is seen overall in north eastern United-States,

Great question Veronique! Personally, I've never seen it in 39+ years as a vet in the NE (it seems to be an issue primarily in horses).

Guide to Poisonous Plants – College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences – Colorado State University

The Colorado State University Guide to Poisonous Plants database lists trees, shrubs and perennials that can be harmful to animals. The Poisonous Plant Guide is constructed to enable location of a plant by either knowing the common or botanical name of the plant.

poisonousplants.cvmbs.colostate.edu

I'm guessing it's probably dose-dependant?

Yes!

Could one maple leaf ingested endanger an animal's life? Maybe it depends on the animal's susceptibility

Probably not (especiallyfor an adult animal) and it definitely depends on individual susceptibility (and dose).

consider Arsenicum more strongly

Yes! And of course the externally visible + internal symptoms will always be your final guide.

 

[VeroniqueM]

Thank you for the great information!
Véronique

 

[Dr. Jeff]

You're welcome Veronique!

 

[Dr. Christina]

I sent an email to an alpaca expert (holistic) in NC. have not heard back yet. She is amazing and has a holistic health for Alpacas DVD. www.Holistic-critters.com

Tufts website does say it is toxic to horses if they are dried - Fresh red maple leaves are not toxic to horses – but wilted or dried leaves and the bark are extremely toxic. Eating about 1.5 pounds can make a horse very sick and ingesting 3 lbs. can kill a horse.

I also asked Dr. Madalyn Ward, an excellent homeopath and osteopath for horses. She said they are toxic to horses and would think of Nux vomica if there were not clear symptoms pointing to another remedy. She has never seen the problem. in 40 years. Lives in the SW and did see some maples there. www.HolisticHorsekeeping.com

Dr. christina