Pet Care

Locust


Scientific Name:: Robinia species

Family:: Mimosaceae
Where Found:: Found in Eastern and Central U.S. northward into southern Canada, in thick, dense stands and as ornamentals.
Toxicity:: Toxic to Horses, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Dogs
Toxic Principles:: Toxalbumins phasin, robin and robitin in bark, leaves and seeds.
Clinical Signs:: Toxicity occurs from grazing young sprouts, ingesting bark or pruned/fallen branches. Clinical signs may develop one to two hours post ingestion, and may include loss of appetite, depression, stupor, weakness with rear end paralysis, laminitis, coldness of the extremities, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, weak, irregular pulse, diarrhea (which may be bloody). Primary damage is to the gastrointestinal tract; long term effects can include chronic laminitis.

If your pet ingested this plant, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.*

* A $65 consultation fee may apply.