PlantFunIndigofera lespedezioides Toxic?
All parts of the plant are toxic, containing harmful substances indospicine and 3-nitropropionic acid
It is toxic to horses, and dogs may suffer secondary poisoning if they eat meat of affected animals
Symptoms in horses worsen under stress, death may occur 2-4 months after onset, partial recovery is possible if exposure stops timely
FAQ
Is Indigofera lespedezioides toxic to Humans?
No relevant toxicity data for humans is currently available (Non-toxic)
Is Indigofera lespedezioides toxic to Cats?
No confirmed toxicity data for cats is currently available (Non-toxic)
Is Indigofera lespedezioides toxic to Dogs?
May develop liver damage if eating meat of animals that have ingested this plant (Low)
Is Indigofera lespedezioides toxic to Horses?
Anorexia, apathy, gait disorders, severe ataxia, hindlimb weakness, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal opacity; symptoms worsen under stress, death may occur 2-4 months after symptom onset (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No relevant toxicity data for humans is currently available
No confirmed toxicity data for cats is currently available
May develop liver damage if eating meat of animals that have ingested this plant
Anorexia, apathy, gait disorders, severe ataxia, hindlimb weakness, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal opacity; symptoms worsen under stress, death may occur 2-4 months after symptom onset
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Stop exposure to the plant immediately
- • If recently ingested, induce vomiting under professional guidance if applicable
- • Keep the affected animal in a quiet environment to avoid stress
Contact Vet Immediately
- • The animal shows symptoms like anorexia, weakness, gait disorder, eye discharge or blindness
- • The dog has eaten meat of animals that may have consumed this plant
- • Symptoms persist or worsen after stopping exposure to the plant
Prevention
- • Avoid growing this plant in grazing areas for horses and other livestock
- • Do not feed meat of animals that may have eaten this plant to dogs
- • Learn to distinguish this plant from non-toxic Indigofera species to avoid accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Carry out decontamination and symptomatic therapy per emergency treatment protocols
- • Provide oral arginine or arginine-rich supplements, such as 5kg alfalfa hay or 0.75kg flaxseed per day
- • Administer intravenous essential amino acids including DL-methionine and lysine under veterinary guidance
Professional Toxicology
• The arginine-like non-proteinogenic amino acid indospicine exerts toxic effects and can cause secondary poisoning
• The toxic carboxylic acid 3-nitropropionic acid is another key toxic component of the plant
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.