PlantFunGrass pea Toxic?
Seeds are the most toxic part of the plant, with highest risk recorded for birds and horses.
Prolonged consumption over weeks to months causes progressive neurological damage, paralysis and fatal respiratory failure in susceptible species.
No specific antidote exists, treatment relies on decontamination and symptomatic supportive care.
FAQ
Is Grass pea toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data provided; potential neurotoxic risk with prolonged high-volume exposure. (Low)
Is Grass pea toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data documented in the reference dataset. (Low)
Is Grass pea toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity data documented in the reference dataset. (Low)
Is Grass pea toxic to Horses?
After several weeks of consumption: initial excitement, skittishness, followed by weakness, colic, uncoordinated gait, hindlimb paralysis, dyspnea after mild agitation, laryngeal stridor, difficulty swallowing, sweating, seizures, weak/arrhythmic pulse, nosebleeds, lip rashes, mane/withers hair loss; possible suffocation death after months of exposure. (Severe)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data provided; potential neurotoxic risk with prolonged high-volume exposure.
No species-specific toxicity data documented in the reference dataset.
No species-specific toxicity data documented in the reference dataset.
After several weeks of consumption: initial excitement, skittishness, followed by weakness, colic, uncoordinated gait, hindlimb paralysis, dyspnea after mild agitation, laryngeal stridor, difficulty swallowing, sweating, seizures, weak/arrhythmic pulse, nosebleeds, lip rashes, mane/withers hair loss; possible suffocation death after months of exposure.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove all remaining grass pea plant material from the exposed animal's environment.
- • Administer activated charcoal per veterinary guidance for exposures that occurred within the prior 2 hours.
- • Collect any remaining plant material for formal identification to confirm exposure type.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected grass pea ingestion by horses, birds, or livestock.
- • Observation of neurological symptoms (uncoordinated movement, paralysis, seizures, difficulty breathing) in animals with potential access to the plant.
- • Signs of colic, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained nosebleeds in horses with unknown feed exposure.
Prevention
- • Avoid planting grass pea in pastures or areas accessible to pets, horses, or livestock.
- • Screen all equine, avian and livestock feed supplies for accidental contamination with Lathyrus sativus seeds.
- • Train farm staff and pet owners to identify grass pea to distinguish it from non-toxic forage legumes.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination (gastric emptying, activated charcoal) for recent acute exposures.
- • Provide targeted symptomatic care: anti-seizure medication, fluid therapy, pain management for colic and respiratory support as needed.
- • Perform emergency tracheotomy for horses presenting with life-threatening laryngeal obstruction from toxicity.
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic amino acid compounds disrupt neurotransmitter function and nervous system protein synthesis.
• Chronic exposure leads to progressive motor neuron degeneration, resulting in permanent paralysis.
• Toxin concentration varies by growth stage, with highest levels recorded in mature seeds.
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.