06/06/2026
🟠 CUCKOO PINT
Symptoms of cuckoo pint poisoning show within minutes to 2 hours of ingestion. As the plant has a very acrid taste and causes an immediate burning sensation, horses rarely ingest large amounts. However, if this happens it can cause cardiac arrhythmias, a drop in body temperature, and, rarely, death.
If you suspect your horse has ingested cuckoo pint, rinse their mouth with fresh water and contact your equine veterinarian at once.
Toxicity: The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates (tiny, needle-like crystals) and saponins. When chewed, these crystals embed themselves into the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat, causing immediate and intense pain.
Treatment: Typically involves rinsing the mouth to remove plant remnants, administering activated charcoal, and providing supportive intravenous fluids for gastrointestinal distress or shock.
Prevention: This plant thrives in damp, shaded areas, hedgerows, and field margins - inspect these areas regularly. Remove by digging out the plant entirely, including the root/bulb, ideally before it produces its bright red berries in late summer. Safe. Do not leave pulled plants in the field. Discard them well away from livestock, as they remain toxic and can be a hazard even when dead or wilted.
