⚠️ Not veterinary advice. This guide is for education on minor issues only. If you are unsure, or your animal is in pain, call your veterinarian. In an emergency, call immediately.
Toxic plant eaten in horses and donkeys
Should I call the vet?
Typical signs: Seen eating, or had access to, a toxic plant (such as yew, oleander or wilted red maple leaves), or sudden illness after a pasture or hay change.
Call your vet now if you see
- Yew or oleander — even a mouthful can kill
- Wilted or dried red maple leaves; dark red-brown urine or yellow gums
- Trembling, staggering or trouble breathing
- Colic or laminitis signs
- Found down, or several horses sick
What you can do
- Move the horse and its herd mates away from the plant now.
- Call your vet; bring a sample or photo of the plant.
- Estimate how much was eaten and when.
- Don't give home remedies.
- Check pastures after storms, and inspect hay for weeds and leaves.
When to call the vet
Immediately.
Normal adult vital signs (at rest)
Horse
| Vital | Normal | Concerning |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 99.0–101.5 °F | Over 102 °F or under 98 °F |
| Heart rate | 28–44 /min | Over 60 at rest |
| Respiration | 10–24 /min | Over 30 or labored |
| Gums / CRT | Moist pink, refill < 2 s | Pale, white, dark red, purple, tacky |
| Gut sounds | Gurgles both sides | Silent |
| Hydration | Skin pinch back in 1–2 s | Tents > 2–3 s |
Donkey
| Vital | Normal | Concerning |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 98.0–100.5 °F (37–38 °C) | Over 101.5 °F |
| Heart rate | 36–68 /min | Over 70 at rest |
| Respiration | 12–28 /min | Over 30 or labored |
| Gums / CRT | Moist pink, refill < 2 s | Pale, dark, tacky |
| Gut sounds | Present both sides | Silent |
| Behavior | Alert, eating | Dull or not eating = urgent (hyperlipemia risk) |
Young animals differ. Learn each animal's healthy baseline and record it.
Sources
More from Should I Call the Vet?
All 51 topics · Horse records · Donkey records · Parasites & toxic plants by state
Other horse topics
- Minor cuts & scrapes
- Hoof abscess
- Mild colic warning signs
- Thrush
- Rain rot / rain scald
- Eye irritation
- Laminitis (founder) warning signs
- Choke (esophageal obstruction)
- Mild cough / nasal discharge
- Scratches / mud fever
- Lameness / limping
- Puncture wound / nail in the foot
- Nosebleed
- Fever (high temperature)
- Diarrhea (adult horse)
- Not eating (off feed)
- Not drinking / dehydration
- Tying-up (muscle cramping)
- Leg swelling / stocking up
- Hives (raised bumps)
- Weight loss / poor condition
- Dental problems / quidding
- Foaling problems (dystocia)
- Retained placenta (after foaling)
- Newborn foal problems
- Stumbling / neurological signs
- Snake bite
- Cast horse (stuck lying down)
- Lost shoe / hoof crack
- Tail rubbing
- Vaccine reaction
- Lice / mange / skin irritation
- Heat stress
Keep every record in one place
Herd Papers keeps vaccines, Coggins, vet and farrier visits, weight and body condition for each animal, and reminds you before things come due.
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