PlantFunCreeping indigo Toxic?
The entire plant is toxic, carrying two main toxic compounds: arginine-like non-proteinogenic amino acid indospicine and 3-nitropropionic acid.
It is confirmed toxic to horses, and secondary poisoning may occur in dogs that consume meat of herbivores poisoned by this plant.
Symptoms in horses worsen under stress, and death may occur 2-4 months after symptom onset in severe untreated cases.
FAQ
Is Creeping indigo toxic to Humans?
No confirmed human toxicity cases or data available to date (Non-toxic)
Is Creeping indigo toxic to Cats?
No confirmed toxicity data for cats is currently documented (Low)
Is Creeping indigo toxic to Dogs?
Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) may occur if dogs consume meat of animals poisoned by this plant (secondary poisoning) (Moderate)
Is Creeping indigo toxic to Horses?
Anorexia, apathy, gait abnormalities, severe ataxia, hindlimb weakness, hoof wear, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal opacity; symptoms worsen with stress, partial recovery is possible if plant access is stopped early, death may occur 2-4 months after symptom onset (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed human toxicity cases or data available to date
No confirmed toxicity data for cats is currently documented
Hepatotoxicity (liver damage) may occur if dogs consume meat of animals poisoned by this plant (secondary poisoning)
Anorexia, apathy, gait abnormalities, severe ataxia, hindlimb weakness, hoof wear, weight loss, eye discharge, blindness, corneal opacity; symptoms worsen with stress, partial recovery is possible if plant access is stopped early, death may occur 2-4 months after symptom onset
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately stop access to the plant and remove any remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth
- • Induce vomiting only if explicitly directed by a veterinarian for conscious, non-seizing animals
- • Administer activated charcoal if advised by a veterinary professional to reduce toxin absorption
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any suspected ingestion of the plant by horses or pet dogs
- • Appearance of symptoms like anorexia, weakness, gait abnormalities, or unusual eye issues in animals with possible access to the plant
- • Confirmed consumption of meat from livestock that may have ingested this plant by dogs
Prevention
- • Remove this plant from pastures, lawns, and areas accessible to horses, livestock, and pet dogs
- • Never feed meat of animals that may have ingested this plant to dogs to avoid secondary poisoning
- • Inspect grazing areas regularly to clear out toxic Indigofera species and avoid accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination and provide symptomatic therapy following standard veterinary emergency protocols
- • Administer oral arginine or high-arginine supplements, such as 5kg/day alfalfa hay or 0.75kg/day linseed for affected horses
- • Provide intravenous essential amino acids (DL-methionine and lysine) under professional veterinary supervision
Professional Toxicology
• Indospicine is an arginine-like non-proteinogenic amino acid that disrupts normal protein synthesis in the body
• 3-nitropropionic acid acts as a metabolic toxin that inhibits cellular energy production
• Indospicine accumulates in the muscle tissue of poisoned herbivores, causing liver damage in dogs that consume this contaminated meat
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.