PlantFunRough horsetail Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, with alkaloid content remaining fully stable even after the plant is dried.
Equine toxicity arises from induced vitamin B1 deficiency, and is only curable if vitamin B1 is administered in early disease stages.
Above-ground plant parts have higher alkaloid concentrations, which peak in summer and late growth phases.
FAQ
Is Rough horsetail toxic to Humans?
No confirmed human poisoning cases are reported in the reference dataset, but ingestion is not recommended due to confirmed toxic alkaloid content. (Low)
Is Rough horsetail toxic to Cats?
No specific feline clinical toxicity data is available in the reference dataset; ingestion may cause mild digestive upset. (Low)
Is Rough horsetail toxic to Dogs?
No specific canine clinical toxicity data is available in the reference dataset; ingestion may cause mild digestive upset. (Low)
Is Rough horsetail toxic to Horses?
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, neurological deficits, 'staggers disease' from vitamin B1 deficiency, incoordination, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, muscle fasciculations, opisthotonus, central seizures, and potentially death if untreated early. (High)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed human poisoning cases are reported in the reference dataset, but ingestion is not recommended due to confirmed toxic alkaloid content.
No specific feline clinical toxicity data is available in the reference dataset; ingestion may cause mild digestive upset.
No specific canine clinical toxicity data is available in the reference dataset; ingestion may cause mild digestive upset.
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, neurological deficits, 'staggers disease' from vitamin B1 deficiency, incoordination, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, muscle fasciculations, opisthotonus, central seizures, and potentially death if untreated early.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting in non-seizing animals that ingested plant material within the prior 2 hours to eliminate unabsorbed toxins
- • Administer activated charcoal to bind remaining toxic alkaloids in the gastrointestinal tract
- • Move exposed animals to a dim, quiet, low-stimulation environment to reduce risk of triggering seizures
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of Equisetum hyemale plant material by pets or livestock
- • Observation of neurological symptoms (incoordination, tremors, blindness, paralysis) after potential exposure
- • Presence of unexplained loss of appetite, diarrhea, or weight loss in animals with access to this plant
Prevention
- • Remove all Equisetum hyemale plants from pastures, hay lots, and areas accessible to pets and livestock
- • Inspect hay and feed supplies for horsetail contamination before feeding to animals, especially equines
- • Restrict horse grazing in areas with abundant wild horsetail growth, particularly during summer and late growing seasons
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination (emesis, activated charcoal, cathartics) as appropriate for the exposure timeline
- • Administer vitamin B1 (thiamine) orally at 100-200mg twice daily on day 1, then once daily for 7-14 days as prescribed by a veterinarian
- • Provide supportive symptomatic care including fluid therapy, anti-seizure medication, and nutritional support as needed for presenting symptoms
Professional Toxicology
• Piperidine alkaloids in the plant inhibit thiamine (vitamin B1) activity, leading to severe thiamine deficiency in equines and other affected animals
• Total alkaloid content remains stable after drying, so plant material in contaminated hay retains full toxicity
• Alkaloid concentrations are higher in above-ground plant parts and peak during summer and late growth phases
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.