Fetterbush Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 3,204 found this helpful

Lyonia spp.

Fetterbush is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA clinical data

Grayanotoxins are the sole documented toxic principle present in this plant species

Untreated ingestion may lead to severe, potentially fatal outcomes including cardiac failure

FAQ

Is Fetterbush toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented in the referenced dataset, but intentional ingestion is not advised due to confirmed animal toxicity (Low)

Is Fetterbush toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure (Severe)

Is Fetterbush toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure (Severe)

Is Fetterbush toxic to Horses?

Diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure (vomiting is not observed in exposed horses) (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity cases are documented in the referenced dataset, but intentional ingestion is not advised due to confirmed animal toxicity

Cats

Severe

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure

Dogs

Severe

Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure

Horses

Severe

Diarrhea, weakness, elevated risk of cardiac failure (vomiting is not observed in exposed horses)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (leaves, flowers, stems, fruits) are considered potentially toxic

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is accidental ingestion of any plant material

Toxic CompoundsGrayanotoxins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining fetterbush material from the exposed animal's mouth
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless directed by a licensed vet
• Record the estimated quantity ingested and exposure time to share with veterinary staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of fetterbush plant material, even without visible symptoms
• Onset of vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or abnormal heart rate in potentially exposed animals
• Observed lethargy, difficulty breathing, or collapse in animals with access to this plant

Prevention

• Fully remove all fetterbush plants from areas accessible to pets, horses, and other livestock
• Educate pet owners and livestock handlers to identify fetterbush to avoid accidental exposure
• Dispose of all pruned fetterbush waste in sealed containers out of reach of all animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration from GI symptoms
• Conduct continuous cardiac monitoring to detect and manage arrhythmias or incipient heart failure
• Provide symptomatic treatment to control gastrointestinal distress and reduce weakness

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLyonia spp.

AliasesStaggerberry、Maleberry

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractHeartNervous systemSkeletal muscles

Mechanism of Action

• Grayanotoxins bind to and disrupt voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve and muscle cell membranes

• Impaired sodium channel function disrupts normal nerve signaling and cardiac muscle activity

• Toxin activity leads to gastrointestinal irritation, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac dysfunction

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Moderate toxicity risk; ingestion may cause diarrhea, weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias similar to those seen in horses

Sheep: Low to moderate toxicity risk; symptoms of exposure include diarrhea, lethargy, and reduced appetite

Goats: Moderate toxicity risk; large ingestions may lead to cardiac impairment and collapse

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum

Both are small Ericaceae shrubs with bell-shaped white spring flowers and berry-like fruit; fetterbush produces dry, inedible fruit while blueberry produces fleshy, edible blue fruit at maturity

Rhododendron Rhododendron spp.

Both are evergreen Ericaceae shrubs with clustered bell-shaped flowers; fetterbush leaves are small and alternately arranged, while rhododendron leaves are large and typically grow in whorls at branch tips

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Related Toxic Plants

Rhododendron simsii

High toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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