Hay containing this weed may be more poisonous than fresh plants in the field. Symptoms are slow to develop. There is no known anti-dote. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately for supportive treatment to reduce the damage caused by ingestion of poisonous plants. This yellow flowered weed is very common throughout North America, particularly in wet areas.
Buttercups contain irritant juices that severely injure the digestive system.
Sap from stems can cause inflammation and blistering on skin or mucous membranes and even around the hooves of horses used to harvest. There is no known antidote for the poison ranunculin found in the buttercup varieties. Efforts should be concentrated on prevention through pasture management. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately for supportive treatment to reduce the damage caused by ingestion of poisonous plants. Yew poisoning is the commonest form of animal poisoning.