The skin may peel, leaving raw areas that are vulnerable to blowfly strike and bacterial infection. Severe keratitis may result in temporary or permanent blindness. This extremely toxic plant can poison livestock and humans at any time of the year. The toxic principles are two glycosides, oleandroside and nerioside, and can be isolated from all parts of the plant. These signs appear within a few hours after eating the leaves.
Cardiac irregularities are common, often characterized by increased heart rate.
However, a slower heart rate is often detected in the later stages. Symptomatic treatment is suggested but is usually unsuccessful.