PlantFunCorncockle Toxic?
Mature seeds contain the highest toxin concentration (6-7%), and are the primary source of poisoning via contaminated feed or flour.
Young animals are significantly more sensitive to poisoning than adults, with acute poisoning cases common in juveniles.
All poisoning cases can be prevented by thorough seed cleaning to remove corncockle contamination from feed and grain supplies.
FAQ
Is Corncockle toxic to Humans?
No specific human symptom data is available; ingestion may cause mucous membrane inflammation, gastrointestinal irritation, salivation, and digestive distress. (High)
Is Corncockle toxic to Cats?
No cat-specific symptom data is available; expected to present excessive salivation, mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. (High)
Is Corncockle toxic to Dogs?
May present mucous membrane inflammation, hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea following ingestion. (High)
Is Corncockle toxic to Horses?
Highly sensitive; presents mucous membrane inflammation, excessive salivation, nasal/tear discharge, difficulty swallowing, severe colic, and diarrhea, with no vomiting observed. (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific human symptom data is available; ingestion may cause mucous membrane inflammation, gastrointestinal irritation, salivation, and digestive distress.
No cat-specific symptom data is available; expected to present excessive salivation, mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
May present mucous membrane inflammation, hypersalivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea following ingestion.
Highly sensitive; presents mucous membrane inflammation, excessive salivation, nasal/tear discharge, difficulty swallowing, severe colic, and diarrhea, with no vomiting observed.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove all potentially contaminated feed or plant material from access of exposed individuals.
- • Induce vomiting only for recently exposed species capable of vomiting (e.g. dogs, not horses/rabbits) if the individual is alert and not already vomiting.
- • Offer small amounts of clean water to reduce mucous membrane irritation if the individual is able to swallow normally.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of corncockle-contaminated material, especially in young animals or horses.
- • Presence of symptoms including excessive salivation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or abnormal behavior after exposure.
- • Cases where feed/grain supplies are confirmed to be contaminated with corncockle seeds, even if no symptoms are observed.
Prevention
- • Implement thorough seed and grain cleaning processes to remove corncockle seeds from feed, flour, and food supplies.
- • Inspect grazing pastures regularly to remove corncockle plants before they produce mature toxic seeds.
- • Store all feed and grain in sealed, contamination-proof containers to avoid contact with wild corncockle seeds.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform appropriate decontamination (e.g. activated charcoal administration for recent ingestions) for the affected species.
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy for dehydration, pain relief for colic, and mucous membrane protection.
- • Immediately switch exposed livestock or companion animals to fully uncontaminated feed supplies.
Professional Toxicology
• Triterpene saponins irritate gastrointestinal and respiratory mucous membranes, causing inflammation and local tissue damage.
• Ribosome-inactivating protein agrostin disrupts cellular protein synthesis, leading to systemic toxic effects.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.