PlantFunBranched horsetail Toxic?
Contains stable piperidine alkaloids that do not degrade when dried, so contaminated hay remains toxic
Horses are highly susceptible to poisoning that causes vitamin B1 deficiency and fatal 'staggers disease' without early treatment
The entire plant is toxic, with higher alkaloid levels in above-ground tissues and peak concentrations in summer/late growing season
FAQ
Is Branched horsetail toxic to Humans?
No species-specific symptom data available. Monitor for gastrointestinal upset, headache, or neurological changes if ingestion occurs, and seek medical care promptly. (Low)
Is Branched horsetail toxic to Cats?
No confirmed feline toxicity or symptom data. Monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion occurs, and contact a vet. (Low)
Is Branched horsetail toxic to Dogs?
No confirmed canine toxicity or symptom data. Monitor for reduced appetite, diarrhea, or unusual behavior if ingestion occurs, and contact a vet. (Low)
Is Branched horsetail toxic to Horses?
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, 'staggers disease' (vitamin B1 deficiency) with coordination loss, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, seizures, and potential death; early vitamin B1 administration is curative. (High)
Toxicity Details
No species-specific symptom data available. Monitor for gastrointestinal upset, headache, or neurological changes if ingestion occurs, and seek medical care promptly.
No confirmed feline toxicity or symptom data. Monitor for vomiting, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement if ingestion occurs, and contact a vet.
No confirmed canine toxicity or symptom data. Monitor for reduced appetite, diarrhea, or unusual behavior if ingestion occurs, and contact a vet.
Loss of appetite, weight loss, reduced milk production, diarrhea, 'staggers disease' (vitamin B1 deficiency) with coordination loss, hindlimb paralysis, blindness, seizures, and potential death; early vitamin B1 administration is curative.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed individual/animal's mouth
- • Prevent further access to the plant, and collect a sample for formal identification
- • Do not induce vomiting or administer home treatments unless explicitly directed by a medical/veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of branched horsetail by pets or livestock
- • Observation of symptoms including reduced appetite, uncoordinated movement, diarrhea, or behavioral changes
- • Presence of severe symptoms including seizures, paralysis, or blindness in exposed animals
Prevention
- • Inspect pastures, hay, and animal feed regularly for contamination with Equisetum species
- • Remove all horsetail plants from areas accessible to grazing animals, especially horses
- • Monitor grazing sites routinely for regrowth of toxic Equisetum species
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination and symptomatic supportive care per standard veterinary emergency guidelines
- • Administer vitamin B1 as directed: 100-200 mg orally twice daily on day 1, then once daily for 7-14 days
- • Provide targeted supportive care for neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms as needed
Professional Toxicology
• Piperidine alkaloids inhibit thiamine (vitamin B1) activity, leading to potentially severe thiamine deficiency
• Alkaloid content remains stable after drying, so contaminated hay retains full toxicity
• Alkaloid concentrations are higher in above-ground plant parts, and peak 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.