PlantFunHairy indigo Toxic?
Contains toxic indospicine and 3-nitropropionic acid, with secondary poisoning risk for dogs that eat meat from affected livestock
Toxic to horses, causing progressive neurological, ocular, and systemic symptoms that may be fatal 2-4 months after onset
The entire plant is toxic; treatment relies on decontamination, arginine supplementation, and symptomatic supportive care
FAQ
Is Hairy indigo toxic to Humans?
No confirmed human toxicity data available per provided records (Unknown)
Is Hairy indigo toxic to Cats?
No confirmed cat toxicity data available per provided records (Unknown)
Is Hairy indigo toxic to Dogs?
Hepatotoxicity if consuming meat or liver from livestock that ingested the plant (Low)
Is Hairy indigo toxic to Horses?
Anorexia, apathy, uncoordinated movement/ataxia, hindlimb weakness, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal clouding; symptoms worsen with stress, partial recovery possible if exposure stops (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed human toxicity data available per provided records
No confirmed cat toxicity data available per provided records
Hepatotoxicity if consuming meat or liver from livestock that ingested the plant
Anorexia, apathy, uncoordinated movement/ataxia, hindlimb weakness, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal clouding; symptoms worsen with stress, partial recovery possible if exposure stops
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth and block further access to the plant
- • For recent ingestion, induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a veterinarian, then administer activated charcoal to reduce toxin absorption
- • Monitor the animal closely for early signs of appetite loss, unsteady gait, or abnormal behavior
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any suspected ingestion of Hairy indigo, especially in horses or dogs that may have eaten meat from exposed livestock
- • Appearance of symptoms including appetite loss, impaired movement, or eye abnormalities
- • Symptoms worsen rapidly or the animal shows signs of severe weakness or respiratory distress
Prevention
- • Avoid grazing horses in pastures infested with Hairy indigo, and ensure all feed supplies are free of the plant
- • Never feed meat or liver from livestock that may have consumed Hairy indigo to dogs to prevent secondary poisoning
- • Learn to distinguish toxic Hairy indigo from non-toxic related Indigofera species to avoid accidental exposure
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination and deliver symptomatic supportive care per standard veterinary emergency protocols
- • Administer oral arginine or high-arginine supplements (alfalfa hay, flaxseed) as directed by a veterinarian
- • Provide intravenous essential amino acids (DL-methionine, lysine) under veterinary supervision as required
Professional Toxicology
• Indospicine acts as an arginine antagonist, disrupting protein synthesis and causing liver damage
• 3-Nitropropionic acid inhibits cellular energy production, leading to neurological impairment
• Indospicine accumulates in the meat and liver of exposed livestock, causing secondary toxicity in dogs that consume these products
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.