Horse Chestnut and Buckeye
Horse chestnut and buckeye (Aesculus spp.) are common small- to medium-sized shrubs or trees with large palmate leaves, white to red flower spikes born terminally on the branches, and characteristic spiny or smooth fruit capsules containing one to three shiny brown nuts when ripe. A variety of horse chestnut species grow throughout most states but are concentrated in the eastern and southern states. Those reportedly toxic to animals are: Ohio, California, red and yellow buckeyes (A. glabra, californica, pavia and octandra, respectively), and the introduced species horse chestnut (A. hippocastanum). These toxic chestnuts are not related to the edible chestnut (Castanea spp.).
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The toxin in buckeyes and chestnuts is aesculin, a glycoside present in the new growth, the leaves, and the nuts. Its principal action appears to be on the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system. Colic has been the main problem reported in horses, although muscle tremors, incoordination, and paralysis are possible. There is no specific treatment, but mineral oil given by stomach tube as a laxative, and supportive fluid therapy may be beneficial.
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