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I planted oleander by my horse stables (not in reach of the horses). Would horses eat oleander if they could? How poisonous is it to the horses?

Last Updated: October 18, 2011

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Although oleander  (Nerium oleander) is not highly palatable, hungry horses without adequate forage have been known to seek out other sources of fiber. Those sources could include oleander, which is highly toxic to horses. Horses consuming leaves from the oleander plant, whether fresh, wilted, or dried, may express symptoms such as depression, gastrointestinal upset, and irregular heartbeat, a symptom which can lead to trembling, collapse, and even death. It is suggested that even small amounts of ingestion (1/4 pound of leaves) can deliver deadly toxic effects. If you suspect your horse has eaten oleander, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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