REALLY POISONOUS PLANTS Ornamental plants, young ornamental bushes and even young fruit trees can present a very great danger to pets, especially puppies in the chewing stage and for those dogs and cats with an adventurous taste in non-foods. Many of these plants will be equally toxic to humans. You can learn whether there is some in your neighborhood (quite likely) and take precautions before, not after, the fact. Websites: http://www.calpoison.com/public/plants-toxic.html and http://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_safe_plants/Toxic_Plants_by_common_Name_659/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_poisonous_plants. An outstanding book with glorious pictures: A guide to poisonous house and garden plants by Anthony P. Knight, BVSc, MS, DACVIM. Dr. Knight is at Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. This table is about the most dangerous plants: Name of Plant Where they grow Medical emergency Toxic parts Aconitum "the queen of poisons, aconite, monkshood, wolf's bane, leopard's bane, women's bane, devil's helmet or blue rocket" Acokanthera spp. "Bushman's poison, wintersweet" They thrive in garden soils, and will grow in the shade of trees. Cardiac failure (hypotension, etc) after major gastrointestinal distress, nausea, vomiting. Poisoning may occur by Burning sensation, touching or picking at numbness, confusion, the leaves; the toxin is dizziness. absorbed easily through the skin. Ornamental. Pain, cramping, pawing at The bark, wood and the mouth, diarrhea. roots of Acokanthera Heart problems: cardiac schimperi are used as an dysrhythmias, conduction important ingredient of defects, and hyperkalemia. arrow poison in Africa. Seeds are dangerous, and so is immature fruit. Ripe fruit is okay. Mortality without vet and kind of poison Death within 2-6 hours Active toxin is aconitine, a neurotoxin. Heart failure. Death. All plant parts contain acovenoside A and ouabaïne, which are cardiotonic glycosides. See Vet or Emergency hospital for these medical treatments: IMMEDIATELY. Use activated charcoal within one hour to absorb toxin. Atropine and drugs for ventricular arrhythmias. Other supportive emergency procedures. IMMEDIATELY. Induce emesis or perform gastric lavage if ingestion was recent and patient is not showing systemic signs. Activated charcoal and a cathartic (Repeat in 3 hours). Treat hyperkalemia if detected. Treat dysrhythmias. If bradycardia is unresponsive to atropine, consider cardiac pacing. Dialysis and diuresis are not effective in enhancing elimination. Aloe vera Common house plant: inside greenish gel of the stem is used to treat minor cuts and burns. Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tremors and muscle spasms, urine changes color, usually red. Despite advertisements, NOT for internal use in pets. Violent vomiting, nausea, shivering, dark brown urine, loss of appetite, GI enteritis, abdominal pain. Anthraquinone glycoside and saponins. The latex, white sap, and outer skin of leaves are toxic purgatives. Barbaloin turns urine red. Severely ill, but with recovery. Potential for liver damage. May cause death if large amount ingested. ASAP Treat hypoglycemia, dehydration. Control diarrhea. ASAP Lycorine causes vomiting, so do not induce more vomiting. Flush mouth with water; for severe cases or larger Large amounts eaten: CNS ingested amounts, lavage. collapse, seizures, paralysis Amaryllidine, lycorine (an Fluid support, liver function and death. emetic, causes vomiting), monitored. All parts toxic, haemanthamine, tazzetine, especially to cats. The hippeastrine, pancracine, No antidote bulb is the most vittatine, hydroxyvittatine dangerous. and others. Gardens, potted plants. Hemorrhagic gastritis, Can cause shock and ASAP Anemone and Moist meadows, convulsions, paralysis, death. Pulsatilla spp, and woodlands, fields shock, death. Give purgatives initially, then Ranunculus spp. Protoanemonin, cardiacc gastrointestinal protectives "anemone, wind flower, pasqueflower Sap is a great irritant to Dried buttercups not toxic glycosides and oxytonin. later. Atropine should be mouth, and that may to livestock. given when clinically and buttercups" save a pet from There is no known significant bradycardia ingesting a fatal dose. antidote for the poison occurs (eg. hypotension). ranunculin found in buttercup varieties. Same family as Lilies, Vomiting, abdominal pain, Major GI distress. ASAP Asparagus spp. thus dangerous. In dry diarrhea, contact dematitis. Treat symptoms. "aspragus fern, areas with mild climates. Sapogenin Fluid therapy for dehydration emerald fern" House plant. Berries and control diarrhea. more toxic than leaves. Amaryllis spp. and Hippeastrum sp., "naked lady, March lily, belladonna lily, resurrection lily" House plant and garden in mild climates: Showy trumpet-like, generally red flowers. Outside: drought-tolerant pink showy flowers with naked stems (no leaves). Hypoglycemia, GI problems. Atropa belladonna, "belladonna or deadly nightshade" Colchicum spp. "autumn crocus, naked lady (small one), meadow saffron". PS The familiar spring crocus is a non-toxic spring flower. They look alike. Convallaria majalis, "lily of the valley" Perennial with showy, a Severe nervous system 5 ft. shrub or bush when reaction: dilated pupils, grown. headache, rash, dry mouth, (slurred speech), delirium TOXIC black berries. and convulsions. Temptation:sweetHeart rate disrupted. tasting berries, but all 2-5 berries enough to KILL parts of the plant contain a child or pet.. tropane alkaloids. Meadows and damp Vomiting, violent purging, woodland clearings, esp. serious inflammation of the on calcareous and stomach and bowels. neutral soils (eg home gardens). Reduced blood pressure, cardiac arrest and death. All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb is poisonous. Handling the bulb can cause skin allergies in some people. Death. Nervous system and heart. Woodlands, ornamental. Irregular heart beats, vomiting, diarrhea, All parts of plant are confusion, weakness, shock very toxic. Its red berries and convulsions. may attract children. Death. Irregular or IMMEDIATELY dangerously reduced heart rate. Diarrhea. Advanced life support (ALS), atropine to counter 38+ Cardiac glycosides brachycardia, supplemental and a teratogen: azetidine- oxygen and an IV line. 2-carboxylic acid Activated charcoal if (substitutes for proline in conscious proteins) Bourgeonal: opens calcium gates in cells; chemotaxis in sperm Neurotoxins affecting parasympathetic NS via atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine) IMMEDIATELY. The antidote for belladonna poisoning is physostigmine or pilocarpine. Death due to heart failure. ASAP for support of For "better"cases: bad GI suffering and treatment of inflammation. symptoms. Colchicine. Inhibits microtubules, part of the "muscle" and matrix of the cell. Prevents cell division and many other internal cellular pathways, such as secretion. No antidote! However, colchicine poisoning in humans has been successfully treated using goat-derived, colchicine-specific Fab fragments. House plant, garden Crassula argentea "jade plant, rubber ornamental. Kittens like to chew on leaves. plant" Crysanthemoms "mums" Cycas and Zamia species "cycads, Sago palm, cardboard palm, coontie palm" Cyclamen sp. "Persian Violet, Sowbread" Vomiting, decreased heart rate, uncoordinated movements, depression Heart slows, sometimes nervous system disorder, vomiting. ASAP Supportive treatment with fluids and electrolytes Atropine or propranolol for heart dysrhythmias. Common garden and Drooling, uncoordinated Nervous system. With ASAP house plant. and trembling muscles, treatment will recover in This is insecticide poisoning. vomiting, depression, few days. Combination of emensis, and Keep away from cats! dermatitis. activated charcoal. Diazepam Insecticide and more. or methocarbamol to control Onset within 1-4 hours. Pyrethrins, lactones, muscle tremors and seizures, sesquiterpene and and atropine to control miscellaneous skin hypersalivation. Pyrethroids irritants. are highly toxic to cats because they do not have glucuronidase which serves in hepatic detoxifying metabolism pathways Many dogs, cats, horses, Vomiting, melena, icterus, Death within hours. Liver IMMEDIATELY. and a plethora of other increased thirst, failure. animals find Sago Palms hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, No antidote! delicious. The whole plant bruising, coagulopathy, Cycasin, B-methylaminois toxic, but the seeds liver damage, liver failure, l-alanine Intravenous fluids and/or a have the most toxin, death. plasma transfusion, induce unfortunately easy to vomiting, the activated absorb.The poison in charcoal. Various drugs to these plants is so toxic support liver, brain and that dogs have died after gastrointestinal tract. ingesting a single seed. Popular house and garden Irritation of the mouth & Severe GI and nervous IMMEDIATELY. plant. throat, gastrointestinal system (seizures), can Hopefully only small upset, diarrhea, convulsions lead to death by amounts ingested, ergo Root is the most toxic, but and paralysis. Changes in respiratory arrest. limited to GI effects. luckily tastes bitter. Rest heart rhythm. Breathing Saponins have cardiotoxic Life support (heart etc) and of plant also toxic. may stop. properties. fluids. Triterpinoid saponins Delphinium spp. "larkspur" Dieffenbachia "dumb cane, tropic snow, and exotica" and Colocasia "elephant ear" Similar problem with Philodendrum, Caladium, Skunkcabbage, and Jackin-the-pulpit. Common in gardens and Burning of lips and mouth, disturbed areas. Larkspur, numbness of throat; intense CA, is named for it. vomiting and diarrhea, muscular weakness and All parts toxic. spasms, weak pulse, Mainly cattle are paralysis of the respiratory poisoned. system, convulsions; fatal. Common house plant. Weeds/ornamentals in some regions. Most toxic is the plant sap, all stems. Generally pet stops chewing due to painful encounter with sap. Digitalis "foxglove" Common in gardens. Spectacularly poisonous, but rarely eaten. All of plant is toxic, especially seeds. Pets may ingest poison by drinking water from flower arrangements. Drooling. Inflammation of throat, mouth and GI tract. Internal swelling and breathing difficulties. Bladder pain. Diarrhea and/or vomiting. Kidney damage. Vomiting and diarrhea followed by weakness, rapid heart rate, and changes in cardiac conduction with resulting decrease is in cardiac output, hypotension, collapse, and death. Death. Tremors and IMMEDIATELY. collapse. Breathing stops. Physostigmine can be Alkaloids delphinine, effective treatment. ajacine, and others. Suggested dose of 0.04 - 0.08 mg/kg body weight given inter peritoneally to reverse the neuromuscular blockade. Delphinine resembles aconitine toxicity. Death possible due to IMMEDIATELY. closing of air ways; Anti-histamines -- do ASAP chemically -induced on way to vet. strangling. Remove any part of plant inside mouth. Do not induce An allergic-type reaction vomiting. Rinse with milk or due to histamine release water as long as liquid is not induced by oxalates. swallowed. Reduce swelling of mouth Calcium oxalate and the and GI, pain meds and other amino acid L-asparigine supportive care. Death from heart failure, IMMEDIATELY Activated charcoal, cathartic. Digitalis cardenolides. Serum potassium closely monitored and fluid therapy. Phenytoin, an antiSimilar cardenolides found in butterfly weed, arrhythmic drug effective against supraventricular and Lily of the valley, ventricular arrhythmias. oleander, yellow oleander and dogbane. Digitalis-specific antibody (Digibind - Burroughs Wellcome) may counteract cardenolides effects. Heteromeles arbutifolia, "Toyon" Native to California, attractive flowers and fruit. Toxic to mammals, but cooking degrades toxin. Birds, bees are okay. Rapid breathing, drooling and salivation, GI distress, spasms, struggles, asphyxiation. Hyoscyamus niger "black henbane, insane root, stinking nightshade, hog's beam " Black henbane is commonly found in pastures, fence rows, roadsides, waste places, and riparian areas. It does well in most soils; noxious weed. All parts of the plant are toxic. Gardens and houseplants. Trembling, seizures, delirium, change in heart rate. Lilium spp., also Zantedeschia spp. "lilies" others within Bulbs and flowers the Liliaceae. particularly poisonous, but all parts of plant are toxic. Depending on pet size and dose: insane behavior, violent outbursts, seizures. Death in less than an hour IMMEDIATELY (goats) Intravenous sodium thiosulfate and sodium Cyanogenic glycosides, nitrite. For dogs: DMAP IM eg. cyanide. at 5 mg/kg or hydroxylamine hydrochlorine IM at 50 mg/kg are as effective as nitrite and thiosulfate Death. IMMEDIATELY 10-20 seeds cause severe poisoning. Even if 10x The antidote for henbane less concentrated than poisoning is physostigmine belladonna. or pilocarpine. Neurotoxins: atropine, hyoscyamine, alkaloids like belladonna. The alkaloids cause Death from kidney failure IMMEDIATELY due to breathing problems, within 36-72 hrs in cats breathing difficulties and low vomiting, and hypotension. depending on amount blood pressure. Excessive salivation, eaten. abdominal pain, and Atropine, dexamethasone and diarrhea. Calcium oxalate Lycorine, oxalate, fluid therapy. raphides may also phenanthridine alkaloids contribute to digestive Prevent kidney failure. symptoms. Nervous system: dilated unresponsive pupils, Toxic legumes, confusion, disorientation, particularly their pods flushed face and/or fever, and beans. tremors, un-coordination, Leaves, stems (and bark numb paws, dizziness, of broom) also toxic. burning dry mouth, Bitter-tasting. stomach pain, and anxiety. high heart rate and blood pressure, In sheep, first sign may be coma, then death. Cattle: first sign may be respiratory paralysis. Depression , uncontrollable Macadamia integrifolia Nuts are toxic to dogs and the dog can become increase in body seriously ill after eating temperature, weakness, macadamia nuts a few nuts. tremors, stiffness of the muscles, vomiting, increased heart rate. Variable sensitivities. Lupinus spp. "lupins" Other toxic legumes (Fabaceae): Scotch broom, vetch, black locust, acasia. Melia azedarach "chinaberry tree, bead tree, Persian lilac, white cedar" Open fields. The Chinaberry tree is widely distributed in southern USA, with leaves that drop to the ground during the winter (potentially to chew on). Yellow, marble sized, poisonous fruits. Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, severe abdominal pain, bloody feces, loss of coordination, stupor, muscle fatigue, muscle rigidity, seizures finally ending in cardiac paralysis with death taking place after a period of about 24 hours. Death by neurotoxin. 20 Lupin beans and 1-2 beans of Golden rain tree beans can kill a child. Lupinine and nicotinic quinolizidine alkaloids (for ex. sparteine). Anagyrine developmental defects and abortions. Lectins in Black locust cause diarrhea. Full recovery with vet emergency care, preferably within 24 hrs. Unknown toxin. Death. Heart failure. Modified nortriterpene (natural plant produced insecticide) tetranortriterpene ASAP Anticholinergic toxicity Phytostignine treatment. (May manage seizures with benzodiazepines.) Life support for hyperthermia, arrhythmia and other symptoms. IMMEDIATELY 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting to empty the stomach of any undigested nuts. Vet administers activated charcoal with a cathartic (a substance which accelerates defecation) such as 70% sorbitol to speed the passage of nuts ASAP Induce vomiting using 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and rinse the mouth thoroughly. Treatment not a guarantee for survival: employ gastrointestinal protectives and respiratory stimulants as well as Lentin (carbamylcholine chloride) .5-1cc for a 70lb dog Melianthus sp. "honey bush" Narcissus "daffodil" Similar problems with Tulips and Wisteria and Amaryllis spp. Evergreen hardy shrub. Very toxic. The root is more toxic than the leaves. Honey produced from the shrub's nectar is toxic. The whole plant is poisonous but especially the bulbs. People mistake them for onions! Kittens and cats may play and chew on leaves Water drunk from vase with cut daffodils is toxic! Thevetia or yellow Nerium oleander sp. oleander has very toxic and Thevetia sp."oleander", "yellow leaves and nectar. oleander" Oleander varies in toxicity (60x difference between varieties). Dog playing fetch with oleander sticks has caused illness. 0.005% of body weight or roughly 10-20 leaves can be lethal for a 1500 lb cow. Causes excessive drooling, vomiting, colic, diarrhea and dysentery. Bleeding lungs. Heart irregularity. Heart (rapid weak pulse) and GI problems. Bloody diarrhea. Bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides). Lethargy and vomiting, Becomes hypothermic (cold) heart rate too slow (bradycardia). Vomitting, tremors, diarrhea. Potentially lethal. ASAP Administer relatively large doses of activated charcoal. Advanced life support. ASAP Activated charcoal, then Two alkaloids, narcissine pipettes of water, followed (lycorine) and by 1-5 tsp of milk to coat galantamine as well as the intestines. glycoside scillaine One bulb can kill a dog, but (scillitoxin). Atropine, dexamethasone, crystals of calcium oxalate fluid therapy, and supportive in the outer layer irritates care. the mouth and makes the dog drool, so the dog may stop in time. It may take 3 hours for Heart failure, hypothermia IMMEDIATELY symptoms to show. Early and death within 24 hours. Activated charcoal, cathartic. on, a pet can show rapid Serum potassium closely breathing with cold paws Organ necroses. monitored and fluid therapy. and nose, weak pulse. The cardiac irregularities Cardiac glycosides. may be treated using antiGI irritation, vomiting, Thevitin A and B, arrhythmic drugs such as diarrhea (may be bloody), thevetoxin are strong potassium chloride, loss of coordination, cardiotoxins and cause GI procainamide, lidocaine, drooling, shallow enteritis. Oleanderin, dipotassium EDTA, or breathing, muscle tremors, Oleandroside, Neriine, atropine sulfate. The use of hypothermia. Decreased Nerioside fructose-1,6-diphosphate can cardiac output, heart block, reduce serum potassium and death. levels. Persea americana avocado Physalis spp. "Chinese Lantern" as well as "ground cherry, Jerusalem cherry, strawberry tomato" Ricinus communis, "castor bean plant" Rhododendron, "azalea, mountain rosebay, red laurel, rosebay laurel, great laurel, California rosebay" Dog friends: Do not share sandwiches with avocado in it! Respiratory distress, generalized congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, accumulation of fluid around the heart and death. Ornamental. Headache, dilated pupils, breathing problems, The unripe berries of the stomach ache, vomiting, Chinese Lantern plant diarrhea, low temperature, are highly toxic although and numbness. the ripe fruit is edible. Onset of signs can be fast, Most toxic: but at other times it takes unripe berries, leaves. hours. Not palatable, but bored pets…. Garden ornamental. Bloody diarrhea, weakness, seizures, abdominal pain, Extremely toxic seeds, dehydration, low blood but tough outer coat pressure, collapse. usually allows seeds to pass without absorption. Common indoors and in Irregular heart beat, many habitats. hypotension, depressed breathing, projectile All parts toxic. Beware vomiting, drooling, partial of leaves, branches blindness, seizures. chewed, flowers and nectar eaten. Death, heart failure. IMMEDIATELY. On way to vet, induce vomiting with diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 tsp peroxide to 1 cup water). Persin: a fungicidal poison that leaches into from the pit, deadly to pets but not humans Death possible. Nervous IMMEDIATELY system. GI, and breathing Anticholinergic syndrome, troubles. use Phytostignine as needed. Solanine, solanocapsine and atropine-like alkaloids: solanocapsine, aramines, phentamines, dopamine, fluoxotine and amphetamines derivatives. Liver damage or death. 3 castor beans sufficient to kill if chewed on. Ricin, a glycoprotein lectin (toxalbumin); ricinine, a piperidine alkaloid Heart irregularity, heart failure. Diterpenoids collectively grayanotoxins I and II, tannins. Vomiting induced by 3% hydrogen peroxide and gastric lavage should be performed, followed by activated charcoal. Life support. ASAP - usually 6 hr delay before signs appear, so get to vet before symptoms occur. Apomorphine to induce vomiting. Prevent dehydration and shock. Activated charcoal orally, intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy IMMEDIATELY Activated charcoal given orally (2 - 8 g/kg body weight) is helpful if given shortly after ingestion. Atropine to counter the cardiovascular effects. Vinca and Catharanthus "periwinkle and Madagascar periwinkle" Almond, Apple, Apricot, Black cherry, Cherry, Crabapple, Loquat, Nectarine, Peach, Pear, Plum… and Roses and Hydrangea Ground cover. Potted plants. Toxins are present in all parts of the plant. Usually not eaten, but remove indoors plants. Fruit orchards. Gardens. Low blood pressure, anorexia, anemia, incoordination, muscle tremors, lateral flexion of the neck, and convulsions. Coma and death. Rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, salivation, GI Seeds, bark, and leaves distress, spasms, struggles, contain cyanide-like asphyxiation. compounds. The pulp of the fruits is safe. The greatest concentration of the toxin occurs in vigorous growth shoots, seeds, and wilted leaves. Large doses cause death. ASAP Alkaloids: alstronine, reserpine, vinblastine, vincristine, and yohimbine. Death. Activated charcoal. Supportive treatment and intravenous fluid therapy Cyanide and a cyanideproducing compound, amygdalin. Cyanide inhibits oxygen from getting to tissues. Cytochrome oxidase and causes death from histotoxic anoxia. 3 µg/ml in blood is a lethal concentration. IMMEDIATELY, preferably within 15 minutes. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate and sodium nitrite. For dogs: DMAP IM at 5 mg/kg or hydroxylamine hydrochlorine IM at 50 mg/kg. Otherwise, a 20% solution of sodium nitrite administered slowly, intravenous at a dose of 16mg/kg body weight, followed by a 20% solution of sodium thiosulfate at a dose of 1.65ml/kg body weight. Hydroxocobalamin, and alpha-ketoglutaric acid have been effective adjunct to treating cyanide poisoning in dogs. Cardiac glycoside is a toxin common to many poisonous plants that has effects on the heart, stomach, intestines, and nervous system, not just the heart. In very small pharmacological doses, these same toxins help patients recover from heart diseases, hence the term cardiac. Beware of feeding onions to dogs (in pizzas, on hamburgers, sandwiches etc): will cause anemia (low blood count)
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