PlantFunYellow Sweet Clover Toxic?
Only plants infested with Aspergillus or Penicillium mold are toxic, as healthy plants only contain non-toxic coumarin derivatives
The primary toxin dicumarol is a potent anticoagulant that disrupts normal blood clotting function
Vitamin K1 is a confirmed, effective antidote for dicumarol poisoning from this plant
FAQ
Is Yellow Sweet Clover toxic to Humans?
No confirmed poisoning cases reported in available datasets; theoretical risk of abnormal bleeding if large volumes of mold-infested plant are ingested (Low)
Is Yellow Sweet Clover toxic to Cats?
Limited species-specific data available; expected symptoms include unexplained bleeding, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and weakness if large amounts of moldy plant are eaten (Low)
Is Yellow Sweet Clover toxic to Dogs?
Limited species-specific data available; expected symptoms include unexplained external/internal bleeding, pale gums, fatigue, and abdominal pain if moldy plant is ingested (Low)
Is Yellow Sweet Clover toxic to Horses?
Unexplained bleeding (nose, stool, urine, vagina, foal umbilicus), anemia, pale mucous membranes, weakness, abortion, subcutaneous hematomas, joint swelling/stiffness, colic, neurological signs from hypoxia/intracranial bleeding, rapid breathing/heart rate, potentially fatal outcome without treatment (High)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed poisoning cases reported in available datasets; theoretical risk of abnormal bleeding if large volumes of mold-infested plant are ingested
Limited species-specific data available; expected symptoms include unexplained bleeding, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and weakness if large amounts of moldy plant are eaten
Limited species-specific data available; expected symptoms include unexplained external/internal bleeding, pale gums, fatigue, and abdominal pain if moldy plant is ingested
Unexplained bleeding (nose, stool, urine, vagina, foal umbilicus), anemia, pale mucous membranes, weakness, abortion, subcutaneous hematomas, joint swelling/stiffness, colic, neurological signs from hypoxia/intracranial bleeding, rapid breathing/heart rate, potentially fatal outcome without treatment
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove all access to suspected mold-infested yellow sweet clover or contaminated forage for exposed animals
- • If ingestion was witnessed within 15 minutes, induce vomiting in dogs/cats only under explicit guidance of a veterinary professional
- • Collect a sample of the ingested plant/forage for laboratory identification to speed up diagnosis
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of mold-infested yellow sweet clover by pets or livestock
- • Presence of unexplained bleeding, pale gums, lethargy, or unplanned abortion in animals with access to this plant
- • Presence of unexplained hematomas, joint stiffness, or colic in horses that consume clover-containing forage
Prevention
- • Thoroughly inspect all hay, forage, and pasture for visible mold growth before feeding to animals
- • Properly dry clover hay to <15% moisture before storage to prevent mold colonization
- • Restrict animal access to damp, overgrown areas with large amounts of wild yellow sweet clover
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer Vitamin K1 as the specific antidote per exact veterinary dosage instructions
- • Perform whole blood transfusion from a healthy matched animal for severe bleeding or acute anemia cases as directed by a vet
- • Restrict animal physical activity for 2-4 weeks post-exposure to reduce risk of traumatic bleeding while clotting function recovers
Professional Toxicology
• Healthy plants only contain non-toxic coumarin and related precursor compounds
• Aspergillus or Penicillium mold growing on the plant converts coumarin precursors to dicumarol via a multi-step biological process
• Dicumarol inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis in the liver, leading to complete loss of normal blood clotting function and uncontrolled bleeding
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.