PlantFunLoco Weed Toxic?
Loco Weed is confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs, but poses high toxicity risk to horses per ASPCA data
Swainsonine is the primary identified toxic compound present in all Oxytropis spp. plant material
Horse ingestion leads to clinical signs including incoordination, appetite loss, fetal death and congenital birth defects
FAQ
Is Loco Weed toxic to Humans?
No confirmed clinical toxicity signs reported in humans from Oxytropis spp. exposure to date (Non-toxic)
Is Loco Weed toxic to Cats?
No toxicity signs reported, as the plant is confirmed non-toxic to cats per ASPCA data (Non-toxic)
Is Loco Weed toxic to Dogs?
No toxicity signs reported, as the plant is confirmed non-toxic to dogs per ASPCA data (Non-toxic)
Is Loco Weed toxic to Horses?
Incoordination, depression, inability to eat and drink, fetal death, birth defects (High)
Toxicity Details
No confirmed clinical toxicity signs reported in humans from Oxytropis spp. exposure to date
No toxicity signs reported, as the plant is confirmed non-toxic to cats per ASPCA data
No toxicity signs reported, as the plant is confirmed non-toxic to dogs per ASPCA data
Incoordination, depression, inability to eat and drink, fetal death, birth defects
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove the exposed animal from access to any Oxytropis spp. plants or contaminated hay
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian
- • Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to guide targeted treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If a horse is observed ingesting any amount of Loco Weed
- • If a horse exhibits incoordination, depression, or refusal to eat/drink after potential exposure
- • If a pregnant mare has had access to areas with confirmed Oxytropis spp. growth
Prevention
- • Regularly survey pastures and hay supplies for Loco Weed and remove all identified plants promptly
- • Restrict horse access to pasture areas with known Oxytropis spp. infestations
- • Provide adequate high-quality forage to reduce risk of horses consuming toxic weeds out of hunger
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer supportive care to address dehydration, nutrient deficiencies and neurological symptoms per vet direction
- • Permanently remove exposed horses from all access to swainsonine-containing plants to support recovery
- • Conduct extended reproductive monitoring for pregnant mares that have been exposed to Loco Weed
Professional Toxicology
• Swainsonine inhibits the enzyme alpha-mannosidase, leading to abnormal glycoprotein accumulation in cells
• Cellular dysfunction spreads across neurological, digestive and reproductive tissues to cause clinical signs
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.