PlantFunChinese arborvitae Toxic?
All parts of the plant are severely toxic, containing harmful compounds including thujone
Horses face an extremely high poisoning risk if they ingest the plant's branches
Poisoning cases have been confirmed in goats and sheep, but no cases are reported in cattle
FAQ
Is Chinese arborvitae toxic to Humans?
Gastroenteritis, convulsions, liver and kidney damage with abnormal urination (polyuria/oliguria) (Severe)
Is Chinese arborvitae toxic to Cats?
Toxicity data not available, potential adverse reactions if ingested (Unknown)
Is Chinese arborvitae toxic to Dogs?
Toxicity data not available, potential adverse reactions if ingested (Unknown)
Is Chinese arborvitae toxic to Horses?
Gastroenteritis, convulsions, liver and kidney damage with polyuria/oliguria; significantly higher risk after ingesting branches (Severe)
Toxicity Details
Gastroenteritis, convulsions, liver and kidney damage with abnormal urination (polyuria/oliguria)
Toxicity data not available, potential adverse reactions if ingested
Toxicity data not available, potential adverse reactions if ingested
Gastroenteritis, convulsions, liver and kidney damage with polyuria/oliguria; significantly higher risk after ingesting branches
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Induce vomiting only if ingestion happened within 2 hours and the affected individual is conscious and not convulsing
- • Collect any remaining plant material for accurate identification to guide treatment
- • Avoid feeding any food or liquid to the affected party before consulting a medical or veterinary professional
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If the affected individual shows signs of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or convulsions after suspected ingestion
- • If a horse, goat or sheep is confirmed to have eaten any part of the plant
- • If abnormal urination (excessive or reduced) is observed after suspected exposure
Prevention
- • Avoid planting this species in areas accessible to pets, livestock or young children
- • Train livestock owners and pet caregivers to identify this toxic plant to prevent accidental feeding
- • Do not feed unknown conifer branches to horses or other livestock
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Carry out timely decontamination procedures to remove unabsorbed toxic substances from the body
- • Provide symptomatic treatment targeting gastrointestinal distress, convulsions and organ function impairment
- • Closely monitor liver and kidney function for at least 72 hours after confirmed exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Toxic compounds such as thujone first irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, then enter the bloodstream and accumulate in the liver and kidneys
• Neurotoxic components can cause convulsions and nervous system impairment 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.