PlantFunSorrel webcap mushroom Toxic?
Contains the nephrotoxic compound orellanin, with a long 2-14 day latency period before symptoms develop
Ingestion can cause irreversible kidney failure and death if left untreated, even in small doses
Early decontamination and supportive care significantly improve recovery outcomes for exposed individuals
FAQ
Is Sorrel webcap mushroom toxic to Humans?
Latency period of 2 to 14 days (shorter with higher ingested doses), followed by loss of appetite, gastrointestinal distress, extreme thirst, tingling sensations, reduced urine output, and kidney failure. Non-fatal cases typically see slow, gradual kidney recovery. (Severe)
Is Sorrel webcap mushroom toxic to Cats?
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested (Severe)
Is Sorrel webcap mushroom toxic to Dogs?
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested (Severe)
Is Sorrel webcap mushroom toxic to Horses?
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Latency period of 2 to 14 days (shorter with higher ingested doses), followed by loss of appetite, gastrointestinal distress, extreme thirst, tingling sensations, reduced urine output, and kidney failure. Non-fatal cases typically see slow, gradual kidney recovery.
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested
No specific clinical data available; suspected to cause identical kidney toxicity symptoms as observed in humans if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal to reduce gastrointestinal absorption of orellanin
- • Collect any remaining mushroom samples for formal identification to guide treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of sorrel webcap, even if no symptoms are present
- • Appearance of symptoms including extreme thirst, reduced urine output, or gastrointestinal upset after wild mushroom exposure
- • Signs of lethargy, abdominal pain, or swelling of limbs indicating possible kidney dysfunction
Prevention
- • Never consume wild foraged mushrooms unless verified by a certified, experienced mushroom identification expert
- • Restrict access of pets and livestock to areas where wild Cortinarius species are known to grow
- • Train foragers to recognize the rusty brown spore print and web-like cortina (partial veil) unique to Cortinarius mushrooms
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination as early as possible post-exposure
- • Provide long-term fluid therapy and supportive care to preserve kidney function
- • Monitor kidney function parameters continuously for several weeks post-exposure, even if symptoms resolve
Professional Toxicology
• Orellanin accumulates in renal tubular epithelial cells, causing progressive cellular necrosis and loss of kidney filtration function over time
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.