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Discussion on Downed tree leaves?

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Kimberly J. Thomas
Member
Username: kjthoma

Post Number: 23
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Monday, Sep 22, 2008 - 8:01 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

So I'm in a part of Houston that got hit pretty hard by Ike. There are downed trees and branches all over the place. The horses seem to like eating the leaves on the branches - but we are not sure if we should allow them to do that or not. However, it's enough of a mess that if they need to be kept away from them they will be stall bound for awhile. They are mostly differet types of oaks and gums. Advice appreciated!
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Muffi Delaney
Member
Username: muffi

Post Number: 302
Registered: 1-2006
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 3:20 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I heard that too much Oak could cause loose bowels and possibly bleeding.
I would check Dr O's info.

other than branches you ok?
My daughter lives in Beaumont. GOt hit pretty hard there - they now have a few 'sky lights' they didn't bargin for in their house.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 21408
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 7:42 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

The most toxic would be red maple and wild cherry. Black walnut is also a concern. Oak is potentially toxic but not often reported. As long as there is adequate quality forage available horses will not consume substantial amounts of these plants but exceptions will exist. So the best prevention of problems until the offending trees can be cleared is to be sure you provide something the horses would rather eat.
DrO
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Stacy Upshaw
Member
Username: 36541

Post Number: 405
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 9:26 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Re this issue of leaves and plants, I can recommend "Horse Owners Field Guide to Toxic Plants" for a great barn manual. I have walked around pastures with it quite a few times over the years - a great barn resource. It is on Amazon.com. Stacy
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Kimberly J. Thomas
Member
Username: kjthoma

Post Number: 24
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 12:25 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks! We put out hay - but a number of them go eat the trees instead.

Fortunatetly we just had trees and power issues. My brother has a major house issue, though.
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Vicki Zaneis
Member
Username: vickiann

Post Number: 710
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 23, 2008 - 5:07 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

If there are any branches off of ornamentals from people's yards, use extreme caution. Oleander comes to mind as does Yew and many others to a lesser degree. Besides the potential toxicity of the oak leaves (some varieties are more toxic than others) I have known of horses to colic from them. Also, if there are any green acorns left on the trees they are even more toxic. Mistletoe in the trees is also an issue where I live. Good luck with your clean up and getting back to normal.
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