PlantFunPatience Dock Toxic?
The entire plant is toxic, including when processed into dried forage, due to oxalates, anthracene derivatives, and naphthalene derivatives
Sheep and horses are the most sensitive to poisoning, while cattle can develop tolerance to low, ongoing oxalate exposure
Severe poisoning can lead to heart arrhythmia, renal failure, anemia, and potentially fatal outcomes in sensitive species
FAQ
Is Patience Dock toxic to Humans?
Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, hypotension, muscle tremors, seizures, paralysis, blood in urine/loss of urine output, anemia with prolonged exposure (Low)
Is Patience Dock toxic to Cats?
No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential kidney damage with large ingestion (Low)
Is Patience Dock toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include oral discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential renal impairment with large ingestion (Low)
Is Patience Dock toxic to Horses?
High sensitivity; symptoms include depression, excessive salivation, tremors, ataxia, recumbency, difficulty breathing, vomiting (high risk of fatal aspiration pneumonia) (Low)
Toxicity Details
Vomiting, potentially bloody diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, hypotension, muscle tremors, seizures, paralysis, blood in urine/loss of urine output, anemia with prolonged exposure
No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential kidney damage with large ingestion
No species-specific data available; expected symptoms include oral discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential renal impairment with large ingestion
High sensitivity; symptoms include depression, excessive salivation, tremors, ataxia, recumbency, difficulty breathing, vomiting (high risk of fatal aspiration pneumonia)
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested, immediately give oral calcium sources (e.g., calcium carbonate, milk) to precipitate unabsorbed oxalates
- • Rinse mouth thoroughly to reduce irritation if oral discomfort is reported
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly directed by a medical or veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Appearance of bloody diarrhea, seizures, tremors, or unresponsiveness after ingestion
- • Ingestion of more than a small mouthful by children, cats, dogs, or horses
- • Signs of reduced or absent urine output within 24 hours of ingestion
Prevention
- • Keep plants out of reach of children and companion animals
- • Do not feed as forage to sensitive species including sheep and horses
- • Avoid misidentifying this plant as edible spinach or common sorrel
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer calcium via gastric tube to precipitate unabsorbed oxalates
- • Perform appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination to remove remaining plant material
- • Provide symptomatic care including pain management, fluid therapy to support renal function, and antihistamines if indicated
Professional Toxicology
• Oxalates bind to circulating calcium, causing hypocalcemia and formation of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that damage tissues
• Anthracene and naphthalene derivatives cause local irritation and systemic toxic effects
• Accumulated nitrates may reduce oxygen transport in the bloodstream in severe cases
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.