PlantFunTuberous pea Toxic?
Tuberous pea is severely toxic to birds, and causes harmful effects in horses and cattle after consistent consumption over weeks to months.
Toxic compounds include aminopropionitrile and cyanoalanine derivatives, with the highest toxin concentration found in the plant's seeds.
Ingestion leads to progressive neurological, respiratory and systemic symptoms, and may cause death from asphyxiation without timely veterinary intervention.
FAQ
Is Tuberous pea toxic to Humans?
No confirmed human poisoning cases are documented, but ingestion is not recommended as the plant contains known neurotoxic amino acid compounds. (Low)
Is Tuberous pea toxic to Cats?
No specific feline toxicity data is available, but ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal or systemic upset. (Low)
Is Tuberous pea toxic to Dogs?
No specific canine toxicity data is available, but ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal or systemic upset. (Low)
Is Tuberous pea toxic to Horses?
After weeks of repeated consumption: agitation, skittishness, weakness, colic, unsteady gait, hindlimb paralysis, dyspnea after mild excitement, laryngeal stridor, difficulty swallowing, sweating, seizures, weak/arrhythmic pulse, nosebleeds, lip rashes, mane/withers hair loss, potential fatal asphyxiation after months of exposure. (High)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed human poisoning cases are documented, but ingestion is not recommended as the plant contains known neurotoxic amino acid compounds.
No specific feline toxicity data is available, but ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal or systemic upset.
No specific canine toxicity data is available, but ingestion may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal or systemic upset.
After weeks of repeated consumption: agitation, skittishness, weakness, colic, unsteady gait, hindlimb paralysis, dyspnea after mild excitement, laryngeal stridor, difficulty swallowing, sweating, seizures, weak/arrhythmic pulse, nosebleeds, lip rashes, mane/withers hair loss, potential fatal asphyxiation after months of exposure.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove all access to the plant and clear any remaining plant material from the animal's mouth and surrounding environment.
- • For recent ingestions in eligible species (dogs, cats), induce vomiting or administer activated charcoal to reduce toxin absorption.
- • Keep the affected animal calm and avoid stress to prevent triggering dyspnea episodes, monitor for early signs of weakness or unsteady movement.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of tuberous pea plant material, especially seeds, in livestock, horses or pet birds.
- • Appearance of symptoms including agitation, unsteady gait, difficulty breathing, paralysis or unexplained weight loss.
- • Reduced milk production or lethargy in cattle after potential exposure to contaminated feed or pasture.
Prevention
- • Avoid planting tuberous pea in pastures, hay fields or areas accessible to livestock, horses, pet birds and companion animals.
- • Inspect all feed and hay supplies for contamination with Lathyrus species plant material or seeds before feeding to animals.
- • Train farm staff and pet owners to recognize Lathyrus species to avoid accidental feeding or exposure.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination procedures including activated charcoal administration or gastric lavage for recent large ingestions.
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy, respiratory support, and anti-seizure medication as clinically indicated.
- • Perform emergency tracheotomy under veterinary supervision if laryngeal obstruction or severe life-threatening dyspnea occurs.
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic amino acid derivatives disrupt nervous system function and connective tissue synthesis with repeated exposure.
• Aminopropionitrile inhibits lysyl oxidase enzyme activity, leading to impaired collagen formation and progressive neurological damage.
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.