🩺 Laurel Poisoning in Horses: A Vet’s 2025 Emergency Guide | Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Meta description: ⚠️ A 2025 vet’s emergency guide by Dr Duncan Houston on laurel poisoning in horses—recognise signs, initiate treatment, prevent exposure and use Ask A Vet support.

1. 🧠 What is Laurel Poisoning?

Laurel poisoning (also known as mountain laurel, calico bush, rhododendron or azalea poisoning) is a serious and potentially fatal plant toxin exposure. Horses ingesting even small amounts develop signs within 30 minutes to 6 hours due to grayanotoxins affecting sodium channels in nerves, heart and GI tract :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. ⚠️ Emergency: Why It Matters

This is a veterinary emergency that can rapidly progress to arrhythmias, seizures, respiratory distress and death if untreated :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Prompt recognition and treatment can greatly improve outcomes.

3. 🔍 Clinical Signs

• Abdominal pain or colic, often with salivation, rapid heart rate or irregular rhythm
• Weakness, incoordination, trembling, recumbency
• Excessive urination or diarrhea
• Drowsiness, seizures, coma in severe cases
• Respiratory distress and collapse

Signs typically onset within hours of ingestion :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

4. 🧪 Diagnosis

• History: Access to laurel, azalea, rhododendron plants is key
• Clinical presentation: Cardiovascular signs plus colic consistent with grayanotoxin exposure
• ECG monitoring: To detect arrhythmias
• Blood tests: CBC, blood chemistry, electrolytes to assess organ function

5. 🚨 Immediate Emergency Treatment

5.1 Remove Access

Move the horse away from exposure; thoroughly remove plant material from the stall or pasture :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

5.2 Gastrointestinal Decontamination

Administer activated charcoal (1–3 g/kg) and cathartics to bind toxin and promote elimination :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

5.3 Supportive Care

• IV fluids to support circulation and tissue perfusion
• Electrolyte replacements to correct disturbances
• GI protectants like omeprazole or sucralfate

5.4 Cardiac Monitoring & Management

Continuous ECG monitoring is essential. Use anti-arrhythmic medications (e.g., lidocaine) as indicated :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

5.5 Seizure Control

IV diazepam or other anticonvulsants may be needed in cases with convulsions.

5.6 Respiratory Support

Oxygen therapy and respiratory monitoring may be needed for dyspneic horses :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

6. 🔄 Monitoring Recovery

• Continue ECG and vitals until stable
• Assess GI motility—monitor for diarrhea, dehydration
• Evaluate organ function via blood tests (renal, electrolytes)
• Provide soft, palatable feeds on recovery

7. ⏳ Prognosis

Early recognition and treatment offer the best chance. Fatality risk increases with delayed care, persistent arrhythmias or pyrexia. Horses that survive often recover fully with no long-term effects :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

8. 🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Remove all laurel, rhododendron, azalea plants from any horse-accessible areas
• Inspect and clean bedding or hay areas for yard clippings
• Educate handlers and staff on plant risks
• Monitor horses grazing near ornamental plantings

9. 💬 Ask A Vet: Emergency Support

• 📸 Submit photos of plant exposure and clinical signs
• 📋 Get step-by-step emergency decontamination & cardiac monitoring plans
• 📆 Receive checklists to monitor vitals, ECG, fluid therapy and recovery feeding
• 🎓 Access Dr Houston’s webinars on plant toxicology, arrhythmia management, and risk prevention

10. ❓ FAQs

How quickly do signs appear?

Usually within 30 minutes to 6 hours after ingestion :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Is any amount safe?

No—grayanotoxins are potent; even small ingestion can cause serious effects :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Can dried leaves still poison?

Yes—dried or wilted leaves retain toxins; watering in bedding or mulch can be dangerous :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Should I test liver values?

Yes—evaluate blood chemistry and CBC to monitor organ stress or damage.

11. ✅ Final Takeaway

• Laurel poisoning is a true emergency requiring immediate removal and medical intervention
• Recognise signs—colic, tremors, arrhythmias, collapse—and act fast
• Use activated charcoal, fluids, ECG monitoring, and symptomatic care
• Prevent exposure by removing toxic plants from all equine areas
• Ask A Vet offers real-time protocol guidance, monitoring tools, and expert insights to support your horse’s safe recovery 💙

🐾 Suspect Laurel Ingestion?

If you notice colic signs, tremors, irregular heartbeat, or depression—and know your horse had access to laurel, azalea, or rhododendron—contact **Ask A Vet** immediately. As Dr Duncan Houston, I’ll support you through decontamination, monitoring, and care so your horse has the best chance to recover. ⚠️🐎