PlantFunCaper spurge Toxic?
All plant parts containing milky sap are toxic; terpene toxins remain fully active after storage and drying.
Birds face severe fatal toxicity risk, while mammal ingestion can cause gastrointestinal damage, organ injury, and cardiac/neurological symptoms.
Toxins are excreted in cow's milk, posing secondary poisoning risk to humans who consume contaminated milk products.
FAQ
Is Caper spurge toxic to Humans?
Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, dizziness, seizures, circulatory collapse, irregular heart rhythm, bloody urine; eye contact causes severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation (High)
Is Caper spurge toxic to Cats?
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap (Moderate)
Is Caper spurge toxic to Dogs?
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap (Moderate)
Is Caper spurge toxic to Horses?
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, colic, bloody diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Bloody diarrhea, vomiting, colic, dizziness, seizures, circulatory collapse, irregular heart rhythm, bloody urine; eye contact causes severe conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap
Species-specific symptom data not recorded; expected effects include oral irritation, colic, bloody diarrhea, and skin/eye irritation on contact with sap
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • For ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical/vet professional
- • For skin contact: Wash affected area with soap and cold running water for at least 15 minutes to remove all sap
- • For eye contact: Flush eyes with lukewarm running water for 15+ minutes, holding eyelids open to fully clear exposed tissue
- • Move exposed pets/livestock away from the plant immediately to prevent further ingestion
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed ingestion of the plant by pets, horses, or grazing livestock
- • Presence of severe symptoms including bloody stool/urine, seizures, disorientation, or difficulty breathing
- • Eye exposure leading to redness, pain, or vision changes in humans or animals
- • Confirmed exposure of dairy cattle to avoid secondary poisoning via contaminated milk
Prevention
- • Remove all caper spurge plants from areas accessible to children, pets, and grazing livestock
- • Wear waterproof gloves and protective goggles when handling the plant to avoid contact with irritant sap
- • Inspect hay and dried forage for contamination before feeding to livestock, as toxins remain active after drying
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination: Administer activated charcoal for recent ingestions, under direction of a medical/vet professional
- • Symptomatic care: Provide intravenous fluid therapy to treat dehydration, anti-emetics to control vomiting, and pain relief for colic
- • Treat eye exposure with prescribed topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications to prevent permanent corneal damage
- • Monitor cardiac and renal function for 24-48 hours post-exposure to detect and address organ injury
Professional Toxicology
• Irritant diterpene esters cause immediate inflammatory damage to mucosal tissue in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and eyes
• Toxins disrupt normal cardiac rhythm and damage renal tissue, leading to bloody urine and circulatory collapse in severe cases
• Terpene compounds are not degraded by drying or long-term storage, so contaminated forage remains toxic
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.