PlantFunMarsh horsetail Toxic?
All fresh and dried above/below ground plant parts are toxic, with alkaloid content remaining stable after drying.
Toxicity in horses causes 'staggers disease' from vitamin B1 deficiency, only reversible with early vitamin B1 treatment.
Fully mature, brown aged marsh horsetail is non-toxic and may have health benefits for animals.
FAQ
Is Marsh horsetail toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data documented; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and mild neurological symptoms. (Low)
Is Marsh horsetail toxic to Cats?
No specific feline toxicity data documented; ingestion may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and coordination impairment in high doses. (Low)
Is Marsh horsetail toxic to Dogs?
No specific canine toxicity data documented; ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and unsteady gait in severe cases. (Low)
Is Marsh horsetail toxic to Horses?
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, neurological dysfunction, death; specific 'staggers disease' presents with restlessness, coordination loss, saw-horse stance, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, muscle fasciculations, opisthotonus, central seizures, and fatal outcomes in severe cases. (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data documented; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and mild neurological symptoms.
No specific feline toxicity data documented; ingestion may trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and coordination impairment in high doses.
No specific canine toxicity data documented; ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and unsteady gait in severe cases.
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, neurological dysfunction, death; specific 'staggers disease' presents with restlessness, coordination loss, saw-horse stance, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, muscle fasciculations, opisthotonus, central seizures, and fatal outcomes in severe cases.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious and alert.
- • Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
- • Move the affected individual to a quiet, enclosed space to prevent injury from neurological symptoms.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If marsh horsetail ingestion is confirmed in horses, livestock, or small pets.
- • If symptoms including loss of appetite, unsteady gait, paralysis, or seizures appear post-exposure.
- • If a child ingests any quantity of marsh horsetail.
Prevention
- • Remove all marsh horsetail growth from pastures, hay, and livestock feed supplies.
- • Restrict pet and livestock access to marshy wetland areas where the plant grows abundantly.
- • Inspect all hay and forage batches for marsh horsetail contamination before feeding.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer vitamin B1 (thiamine) at 100-200mg orally twice daily for day 1, then once daily for 7-14 days.
- • Provide gastrointestinal decontamination and symptomatic supportive care as clinically indicated.
- • Monitor neurological function, hydration, and appetite closely for 1-2 weeks post-exposure.
Professional Toxicology
• Piperidine alkaloids inhibit thiamine (vitamin B1) activity, leading to severe thiamine deficiency in exposed animals.
• Alkaloid content remains stable after drying, so contaminated hay carries the same toxicity risk as fresh plant material.
• Alkaloid concentrations are higher in above-ground plant parts, peaking in summer and late growing season.
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.