Oak Trees - how poisonous to horses are they?

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silverstar

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My horse has been eating the bark from the trees (which Im pretty sure are oak trees) in his field. His breathing isnt right when I worked him tonight. So Im wondering how poisonous they are to horses and how quick would they get into their system? I think Im being a bit paranoid and Im going to fence off the said trees in his field tomorrow. YO is going to have a look at my horse tomorrow too but somethings not right.
 
I would Google it if I were you. Acorns are very poisonous in large quantities (my YO lost an in foal broodie years ago after heavy winds brought down loads and she gorged on them- terribly sad) but I don't know about tree bark sorry!
 
I've always been told they have to eat quite a lot before showing any signs of poisoning but that was regarding leaves + acorns so not sure if the bark is more toxic. I suspect it is fairly unlikely and would think you'd see signs of colic, loss of appetite etc if he had consumed enough to have an effect. Definitely not a good idea for him to be eating any more of it though, would agree that fencing them off asap is probably a good idea.
 
My 18 Year old Mare got severe colic in March this year from eating chopped down oak branches. The acorns and new leaves are supposed to be worst. Fence them off as soon as possible.
 
Im going to fence them off tomorrow morning but could there be a connection with his breathing? Im not sure his breathing is right. Horses dont make a noise when being exercised do they?
 
What vetting did you have on him? if a 5 stage they listen for breathing after fast work don't they? They picked up my old, old horse was a roarer through that. So if he made a noise normally wouldn't it have been picked up?
 
Yes it should have been picked up. I had a 5 stage vetting done. He wasnt like this when I tried him but since being back home he has made some noise whilst being worked. Im going to see what YO says and then maybe ring vets who did vetting.
 
A friend's horse had an allergic reaction to acorns - itchy all over and swollen mouth - in a bad way for a couple of days. I would have thought it could cause an allergic reaction in other ways too, so to be safe I'd discuss it with a vet.
 
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