How Common Is Black Walnut Toxicity in Horses?
Black walnut toxicity is relatively rare in horses. However, if these trees are in a pasture where horses are, or in nearby areas, horses can easily pick up nuts or leaves. The toxin is most concentrated in the nut hulls, which can fall from the trees and pollute the surrounding area. Horses that consume feed, hay, or water contaminated with these substances can also become ill.
Black walnut shavings are sometimes used in bedding, which can be another source of danger; it’s important to evaluate the label on any new type of shavings you’ll be using to avoid this ingredient. If black walnuts shavings make up as little as 5% of the total bedding, that can be enough to cause a toxic event in some horses.
Symptoms of Black Walnut Toxicity in Horses
The symptoms of black walnut toxicity can vary depending on the amount of juglone ingested and the horse's sensitivity to the chemical. Symptoms can appear within a few hours to a few days after exposure and can include:
If left untreated, black walnut toxicity can be fatal. Horses that show any of the above symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.