PlantFunPig's ears Toxic?
All parts of wild Cotyledon orbiculata are toxic, containing cardenolide glycosides including bufadienolides and cotyledontoxin.
Cultivated variants range from non-toxic to moderately toxic, so all plants should be treated as potentially harmful to pets and livestock.
Ingestion may cause severe cardiac, neurological, and respiratory symptoms, and can be fatal for vulnerable species like goats and rabbits.
FAQ
Is Pig's ears toxic to Humans?
No specific human ingestion symptoms documented; potential cardiac distress, nausea, and weakness are possible if large quantities are ingested. (Moderate)
Is Pig's ears toxic to Cats?
Dyspnea, convulsions, and paralysis recorded after ingestion of related succulent species, with equivalent symptoms expected for this plant. (Moderate)
Is Pig's ears toxic to Dogs?
No specific dog symptom data documented; similar cardiac, neurological, and respiratory symptoms to cats are expected if ingested. (Moderate)
Is Pig's ears toxic to Horses?
No specific horse symptom data documented; potential risks include cardiac distress, reduced digestive function, lethargy, and weakness. (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No specific human ingestion symptoms documented; potential cardiac distress, nausea, and weakness are possible if large quantities are ingested.
Dyspnea, convulsions, and paralysis recorded after ingestion of related succulent species, with equivalent symptoms expected for this plant.
No specific dog symptom data documented; similar cardiac, neurological, and respiratory symptoms to cats are expected if ingested.
No specific horse symptom data documented; potential risks include cardiac distress, reduced digestive function, lethargy, and weakness.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual/pet and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred within 15 minutes and the affected subject is fully conscious and alert.
- • Collect a full sample of the ingested plant to share with medical or veterinary staff for accurate identification.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant by pets, livestock, or young children.
- • Appearance of symptoms including difficulty breathing, convulsions, lethargy, loss of appetite, or uncoordinated movement after exposure.
- • Ingestion of large quantities of any part of the plant even if no symptoms are immediately visible.
Prevention
- • Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock in gardens or indoor spaces.
- • Clearly label the plant if kept in accessible areas to avoid accidental ingestion.
- • Avoid planting wild Cotyledon orbiculata in pastures or areas accessible to grazing goats, rabbits, and other vulnerable livestock.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination including emesis and activated charcoal administration as appropriate for the affected species.
- • Symptomatic supportive care including cardiac and respiratory monitoring.
- • Fluid and electrolyte therapy to support organ function as prescribed by a veterinarian.
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic bufadienolide glycosides disrupt sodium-potassium ATPase pumps in cardiac and neuronal cells, impairing normal cell function.
• Toxins accumulate in bodily systems over time, causing progressive cardiac, respiratory, and neurological dysfunction.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
Related Toxic Plants
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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.