Which gastrointestinal symptom may indicate toxicity from Haole koa in horses?

Excessive salivation in horses is a significant gastrointestinal symptom that may indicate toxicity from Haole koa (Leucaena leucocephala). This plant contains a compound called mimosine, which can lead to a range of toxic effects in animals that consume it. When a horse ingests Haole koa, the excess salivation can result from irritation of the oral and gastrointestinal mucosa caused by the toxins. This symptom serves as a primary response to the toxin and can manifest alongside other clinical signs, but it is particularly indicative of the horse's difficulty in coping with the ingested toxic material.

While inability to eat, constipation, and diarrhea are gastrointestinal symptoms that can occur due to various conditions, excessive salivation is more directly linked to the specific toxic effects of Haole koa. If a horse exhibits this symptom along with a history of access to Haole koa, it raises strong concerns regarding potential poisoning, warranting immediate veterinary evaluation and intervention.