PlantFunCrown Vetch Toxic?
Contains cardioactive steroid glycosides and aliphatic nitro compounds, with highest toxin concentrations in flowers and leaves
Acute poisoning causes severe breathing difficulty, limb weakness, coma and potential death; chronic exposure leads to weight loss and coordination deficits
Livestock usually avoid the bitter-tasting plant on pasture, but risk rises if it is mixed into hay or processed feed
FAQ
Is Crown Vetch toxic to Humans?
No specific human poisoning cases documented; expected to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential respiratory distress based on its toxin profile (Moderate)
Is Crown Vetch toxic to Cats?
No specific feline clinical data recorded; may exhibit gastrointestinal upset, weakness, or breathing difficulty if large amounts are ingested (Low)
Is Crown Vetch toxic to Dogs?
No specific canine clinical data recorded; may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or respiratory distress after significant ingestion (Low)
Is Crown Vetch toxic to Horses?
Documented symptoms include acute dyspnea, hindlimb weakness, uncoordinated movement, coma, and fatal respiratory paralysis; chronic exposure causes reduced feed intake and weight loss (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
No specific human poisoning cases documented; expected to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential respiratory distress based on its toxin profile
No specific feline clinical data recorded; may exhibit gastrointestinal upset, weakness, or breathing difficulty if large amounts are ingested
No specific canine clinical data recorded; may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or respiratory distress after significant ingestion
Documented symptoms include acute dyspnea, hindlimb weakness, uncoordinated movement, coma, and fatal respiratory paralysis; chronic exposure causes reduced feed intake and weight loss
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove any remaining crown vetch material from the mouth of the exposed person or animal
- • Contact a medical provider or veterinarian immediately for guidance on decontamination if ingestion occurred within the past 30 minutes
- • Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate identification to inform targeted treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any observed ingestion of crown vetch by pets, livestock, or small companion mammals
- • Development of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, weakness, uncoordinated movement, or altered consciousness after exposure
- • Unexpected weight loss or reduced feed intake in livestock with access to pastures containing crown vetch
Prevention
- • Regularly clear crown vetch from pastures and inspect hay supplies to avoid accidental inclusion in livestock feed
- • Keep ornamental crown vetch plantings out of reach of pets, small children, and captive small mammals
- • Train forage managers and pet owners to distinguish crown vetch from similar non-toxic forage plants
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer decontamination measures such as activated charcoal or gastric lavage as directed by a qualified medical or veterinary professional
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including respiratory support, fluid replacement, and management of neurological symptoms
- • Immediately remove all crown vetch from the feed ration of exposed livestock and replace with uncontaminated forage
Professional Toxicology
• Cardioactive steroid glycosides exert mild cardiac effects, though they are poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract
• Aliphatic nitro compounds metabolize to nitrite ions, which reduce blood oxygen carrying capacity and damage nervous system tissue
• Chronic nitro compound exposure causes progressive neurological and nutritional decline, leading to fatal respiratory paralysis 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.