There are two Crocus plants: one that blooms in the
spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn Colchicum autumnale).
The spring plants are more common and are part of the Iridaceae family.
These ingestions can cause general gastrointestinal upset including vomiting
and diarrhea. These should not be mistaken for Autumn Crocus, part of the
Liliaceae family, which contain colchicine. The Autumn Crocus is highly
toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and
kidney damage, and respiratory failure. If you’re not sure what plant
it is, bring your pet to their veterinarian immediately for care. Signs
may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days.
• Azalea
In the same family as rhododendrons, azaleas can have serious
effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea
and excessive drooling; without immediate veterinary attention, the pet
could fall into a coma and possibly die.
• Cyclamen
The roots of this seasonal flowering plant are especially
dangerous to pets. If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting and
even death.
• Kalanchoe
This popular flowering succulent plant can cause vomiting,
diarrhea and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.
• Lily
There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, and it’s
important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies contain
oxalate crystals that cause minor signs, such as tissue irritation to the
mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus – this results in minor drooling.
The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these
include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies – all
of which are highly toxic to cats! Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals
or leaves) can result in severe kidney failure. If your cat is seen consuming
any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian
for medical care. The sooner you bring in your cat, the better and more
efficiently we can treat the poisoning. Decontamination (like inducing
vomiting and giving binders like activated charcoal) are imperative in
the early toxic stage, while aggressive intravenous fluid therapy, kidney
function monitoring tests, and supportive care can greatly improve the
prognosis.
• Oleander
Oleander is an outdoor shrub, popular for its evergreen
qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are extremely
toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and
possibly even cause death.
• Dieffenbachia
Popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause
intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty swallowing
if ingested.
• Daffodils
These flowers contain lycorine, an alkaloid with strong
emetic properties (something that triggers vomiting). Ingestion of the
bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals
are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which
cause severe tissue irritation and secondary drooling. Daffodil ingestions
can result in more severe symptoms so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms
are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care for further supportive care.
• Lily of the Valley
The Convallaria majalis plant contains cardiac glycosides
which will cause symptoms similar to digitalis (foxglove) ingestion. These
symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac
arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Pets with any known exposure to this
plant should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.
• Sago Palm
Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor
plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can
cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver
failure and, in some cases, death.
• Tulips and Hyacinths
Tulips contain allergenic lactones while hyacinths contain
similar alkaloids. The toxic principle of these plants is very concentrated
in the bulbs (versus the leaf or flower), so make sure your dog isn’t
digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed
or ingested, it can result in tissue irritation to the mouth and esophagus.
Typical signs include profuse drooling, vomiting, or even diarrhea, depending
on the amount consumed. There’s no specific antidote, but with supportive
care from the veterinarian (including rinsing the mouth, anti-vomiting
medication, and possibly subcutaneous fluids), animals do quite well. With
large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms such as an increase
in heart rate and changes in respiration can be seen, and should be treated
by a veterinarian. These more severe signs are seen in cattle or our overzealous,
chowhound Labradors.
This is only a partial list of poisonous plants. Check back
soon for a more complete listing!
Pet Poison Helpline (PPH) is an Animal Poison Control that
provides treatment advice and recommendations relating to exposures to potential
dangerous plants, products, medications, and substances, to veterinarians,
veterinary staff and pet owners 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please
be aware there is a $35/per case consultation fee. Pet Poison Helpline
is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Helpline number is 1-800-213-6680.
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or
any other questionable substance, call Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian
for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance
is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will
save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.
At Cheshire Crossing Animal Hospital, the doctors and
staff consider dental health to be a top priority. A thorough examination
of the mouth with emphasis on the teeth and gums is an integral part of
every pet’s physical exam.
Disease of the gum tissue, known as periodontal disease, affects 85% of
adult dogs and cats. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to pain,
bad breath, and tooth loss. Over time, chronic bacterial infection of the
mouth can lead to disease in other parts of the body such as the heart
and kidneys.
We all know that caring for our own teeth involves frequent brushing,
flossing, and rinsing. And while we may have the very best...read more
