On Thu, 9 Apr 2015 21:30:41 +0100, Janet wrote:

You're completely wrong; it's fatal fresh or wilted.

from a specialist equestrian vet centre

http://poolhousevets.com/Equine/yew-tree-poisoning/

quote
"Yew trees are deadly poisonous to horses! They are so toxic that even
chewing on a single branch can (and frequently does) cause INSTANT
death. ...Most parts of the tree are toxic, except the bright red aril
surrounding the seed. The foliage remains toxic even when wilted.The
major toxin within the Yew is the alkaloid taxine. It is a cardiotoxin
and exerts it effects on the heart where it causes fibrillation and
acute cardiac arrest. There is no treatment."

Janet.


That's not correct. Yew poisoning is far from instant because some
taxine has to be absorbed or digested. Fluids, activated charcoal and
sodium bicarbonate have been used successfully for treatment with
humans. My wife worked in casualty for years and often was involved
with poisoning treatments for suicidals. Tricky business with a horse!

Steve

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