Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Lethal Sycamore maple intoxication in a grazing three-month-old foal.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Janzen, N et al.
- Affiliation:
- Hannover Medical School · Germany
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A three-month-old foal became very sick after eating parts of a sycamore maple tree, which contains toxins that can be harmful to horses. The foal showed signs of muscle problems due to the high levels of these toxins in its system. Maple trees can be dangerous for grazing horses because their leaves, seeds, and shoots contain harmful substances that can lead to serious health issues. Unfortunately, the foal's condition was life-threatening due to this poisoning.
Abstract
The case of a young foal poisoned by maple toxin is described. It showed signs of myopathy caused by ingesting life-threatening amounts of maple toxin. Some maple trees (Acer species) can pose a health risk to grazing horses. The leaves, seeds and shoots contain hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylencyclopropylglycine (MCPRG) and can cause life-threatening atypical myopathy.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41176075/