PlantFunJuneberry Toxic?
All plant parts except fully ripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, the primary toxic compound
Ruminants are far more sensitive to poisoning than monogastric species (humans, dogs, cats, horses)
Severe acute poisoning can cause sudden death in ruminants with little to no prior warning symptoms
FAQ
Is Juneberry toxic to Humans?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested; severe poisoning is extremely rare in humans (Low)
Is Juneberry toxic to Cats?
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare (Low)
Is Juneberry toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare (Low)
Is Juneberry toxic to Horses?
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare (Low)
Toxicity Details
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms including salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested; severe poisoning is extremely rare in humans
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare
No species-specific clinical data documented; expected mild gastrointestinal symptoms (salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea) if large quantities of toxic plant parts are ingested, severe poisoning is extremely rare
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual immediately
- • Induce vomiting only in conscious, alert monogastric animals/humans if ingestion occurred within the last 10 minutes
- • Move the exposed individual to fresh air and monitor breathing closely for signs of respiratory distress
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Presence of respiratory distress, convulsions, or bright red mucus membranes
- • Ingestion of large quantities of leaves, bark or stems by ruminant animals
- • Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms lasting more than 2 hours after exposure
Prevention
- • Prevent ruminant livestock from grazing in areas where this plant grows abundantly
- • Confirm positive identification of the plant before foraging for berries to avoid mix-ups with lookalike species
- • Dispose of pruned branches and plant trimmings where animals and young children cannot access them
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Provide respiratory support with 95% oxygen + 5% carbon dioxide ventilation
- • Administer 1% sodium nitrite solution intravenously at 20-25 mg/kg body weight
- • Follow with intravenous 25% sodium thiosulfate solution at 0.5-1.25 g/kg body weight
- • Repeat half the dose of both medications if symptoms persist
Professional Toxicology
• Cyanogenic glycosides in plant tissue are broken down by hydrolytic enzymes to release toxic hydrogen cyanide
• Cyanide inhibits cellular oxygen uptake, leading to rapid tissue hypoxia and organ damage
• Ruminants have higher sensitivity as their neutral rumen pH does not inhibit hydrolytic enzyme activity, unlike the acidic stomach of monogastric animals
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.