PlantFunRattle Toxic?
All fresh plant parts are mildly toxic; aucubin is inactivated in dried hay so hay containing Rattle is non-toxic
Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal inflammation, central nervous system irritation, and kidney damage with symptoms including cramps and bloody urine
Pasture concentrations above 10 plants per m² (3% density) reduce forage yield and increase poisoning risk for grazing livestock
FAQ
Is Rattle toxic to Humans?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, central nervous system inflammation, kidney irritation, muscle cramps, bloody urine (Low)
Is Rattle toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to present with similar gastrointestinal, neurological, and urinary symptoms as other mammals if large quantities are ingested (Low)
Is Rattle toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to present with similar gastrointestinal, neurological, and urinary symptoms as other mammals if large quantities are ingested (Low)
Is Rattle toxic to Horses?
Gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced feed efficiency, diarrhea, colic, kidney damage, muscle cramps, bloody urine after ingestion of sufficient quantities of fresh plant material (Low)
Toxicity Details
Gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced digestion, diarrhea, colic, central nervous system inflammation, kidney irritation, muscle cramps, bloody urine
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to present with similar gastrointestinal, neurological, and urinary symptoms as other mammals if large quantities are ingested
No species-specific toxicity data available; expected to present with similar gastrointestinal, neurological, and urinary symptoms as other mammals if large quantities are ingested
Gastrointestinal inflammation, reduced feed efficiency, diarrhea, colic, kidney damage, muscle cramps, bloody urine after ingestion of sufficient quantities of fresh plant material
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining fresh plant material from the mouth of the affected human or animal immediately
- • Rinse mouth with clean water for humans; do not induce vomiting for pets/livestock unless explicitly instructed by a medical or veterinary professional
- • Document the approximate quantity ingested and any early symptoms to share with medical providers
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Your pet or livestock has ingested a large quantity of fresh Rattle
- • Symptoms including diarrhea, colic, cramps, or bloody urine appear after suspected exposure
- • Your grazing pasture has concentrations of Rattle exceeding 10 plants per m²
Prevention
- • Monitor grazing pastures to maintain Rattle density below 10 plants per m² to avoid yield loss and poisoning risk
- • Do not intentionally feed fresh Rattle to pets or livestock; hay containing Rattle is safe for consumption
- • Learn to identify Rattle to avoid accidental ingestion by humans and prevent overexposure in grazing animals
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination based on the species, quantity ingested, and time since exposure
- • Administer symptomatic care including fluid therapy to support kidney function and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce organ irritation
- • Monitor for 24 to 72 hours post-exposure to detect and address any secondary complications including kidney damage or neurological issues
Professional Toxicology
• The active compound aucubin (Rhinanthin) triggers inflammatory responses in affected organ systems after ingestion of fresh plant material
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.