PlantFunEuropean spindle Toxic?
All plant parts are toxic, with fruits carrying the highest poisoning risk
Toxic compounds remain active even in dried hay, posing year-round risk to grazing animals
Ingestion in horses can cause fatal outcomes within days of eating even small amounts of branch tips
FAQ
Is European spindle toxic to Humans?
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, muscle cramps, circulatory dysfunction (High)
Is European spindle toxic to Cats?
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential circulatory or neurological symptoms if ingested (High)
Is European spindle toxic to Dogs?
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential circulatory or neurological symptoms if ingested (High)
Is European spindle toxic to Horses?
Colic, peritonitis, constipation, tachycardia, possible death within several days of ingesting branch tips (High)
Toxicity Details
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal colic, muscle cramps, circulatory dysfunction
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential circulatory or neurological symptoms if ingested
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential circulatory or neurological symptoms if ingested
Colic, peritonitis, constipation, tachycardia, possible death within several days of ingesting branch tips
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion occurred <2 hours prior and the affected individual is fully conscious
- • Administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxic compounds
- • Avoid giving food, milk, or other oral supplements unless directed by a medical/veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If any amount of the plant is ingested by pets, livestock, or young children
- • If symptoms like repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, or severe pain develop
- • If a horse is suspected of eating any part of the plant, as fatal poisoning is possible
Prevention
- • Avoid planting European spindle in areas accessible to pets, livestock, or young children
- • Inspect hay supplies for dried European spindle material before feeding to grazing animals
- • Educate foragers and property staff to identify and remove wild specimens of the plant
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Gastrointestinal decontamination via emesis, activated charcoal, or gastric lavage as appropriate
- • Symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy, pain management for colic, and cardiovascular support
- • Continuous monitoring of heart rate, organ function, and gastrointestinal status for at least 72 hours post-exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Cardenolide glycosides disrupt cardiac sodium-potassium ATPase pumps, leading to circulatory abnormalities
• Alkaloids, lectins and triterpenes cause severe gastrointestinal irritation and tissue inflammation
• Toxic compounds do not degrade when the plant is dried, so hay-contained material remains fully toxic
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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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.