SUSPECTED RED MAPLE (ACER-RUBRUM) TOXICOSIS WITH ABORTION IN 2 PERCHERON MARES

Horses develop severe and often fatal hemolytic anemia after ingesting dried leaves from red maple (Acer rubrum) trees. Toxicosis appears re lated to an unknown oxidant present in the dried oe wilted leaves. Thi s case report describes 2 horses that aborted and developed fatal hemo lytic anemia after consuming leaves from red maple (Acer rubrum). Whil e an absolute diagnosis was not confirmed due to lack of proper antemo rtem and postmortem examinations, red maple toxicosis appeared a reaso nable diagnosis based on clinical signs and laboratory findings. Other differentials include equine infectious anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis, ehrlichiosis, and other plant or chemical sources of oxidants (onion, garlic, kale, phenothiazines).