PlantFunGreater yellow-rattle Toxic?
All fresh plant parts are toxic, but the active compound aucubin is inactivated in dried hay, so hay containing this plant is safe for consumption.
Low-level concentrations (1-2% of forage, <10 plants per sqm) are agriculturally acceptable, while levels over 3% reduce forage yields.
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal distress, nervous system inflammation, and kidney damage in exposed animals.
FAQ
Is Greater yellow-rattle toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data documented, but ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal, neurological and renal adverse effects as seen in animals. (Low)
Is Greater yellow-rattle toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested. (Low)
Is Greater yellow-rattle toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested. (Low)
Is Greater yellow-rattle toxic to Horses?
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested. (Low)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data documented, but ingestion is expected to cause similar gastrointestinal, neurological and renal adverse effects as seen in animals.
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested.
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested.
No species-specific data recorded; expected symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, cramps, and bloody urine if large quantities are ingested.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining fresh plant material from the affected subject's mouth to stop further toxin intake.
- • If ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the subject is conscious and not experiencing seizures, induce vomiting to eliminate unabsorbed toxins.
- • Administer oral activated charcoal to bind any remaining toxic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If any symptoms appear post-ingestion, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, colic, cramping, or bloody urine.
- • If the affected animal ingested a large quantity of fresh Greater yellow-rattle, even if no symptoms are yet present.
- • If the subject shows neurological distress signs including disorientation, seizures, or loss of coordination.
Prevention
- • Survey grazing pastures regularly; implement control measures if plant density exceeds 10 plants per sqm to avoid yield loss and animal exposure.
- • Do not feed fresh cuttings of this plant to pets or livestock; hay containing the plant is safe for consumption.
- • Remove this plant from pet-accessible residential yards and outdoor spaces to prevent accidental ingestion.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform gastrointestinal decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal administration as appropriate for exposure timeline and subject status.
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy to support kidney function, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce tissue damage, and anti-spasmodics to relieve cramping and colic.
- • Monitor kidney function, hydration status, and neurological signs for at least 48 hours post-exposure to catch delayed adverse effects.
Professional Toxicology
• The toxic compound aucubin (rhinanthin) triggers inflammatory responses in multiple organ systems after ingestion.
• Aucubin disrupts normal digestive function and causes tissue damage to the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and kidneys.
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.