Equine red maple leaf toxicosis

In horses, the ingestion of wilted or dried red maple leaves can result in fatal hemolytic anemia. The toxic principle in red maple leaves is unknown but is believed to be an oxidant The most common clinical signs are the pas sage of reddish-brown urine and brown discoloration of the blood and mucous membranes. Laboratory abnormalities usually include methemoglobinemia and the presence of Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes. Diagnosis is based on a his tory of exposure to red maple leaves and eliminating other possible causes of hemolytic anemia. Treatment centers around supportive care and may inclu de blood transfusions.