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Plants have developed toxic chemicals as defense
mechanisms through evolution. The following plants are
considered to be among the most toxic commonly found
plants in the home and yard according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center.
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LILIES |
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| Certain lily
plants including Easter Lilies, tiger lilies, stargazer lilies and
some day lilies are a concern for cats only. The entire plant can
be dangerous causing kidney damage. Vomiting, loss of appetite,
and weakness can start within hours of ingestion. The vomiting
usually stops after the first 12 hours. Changes in the urinalysis
occur within 18 hours and kidney enzymes can be elevated in 24 –
72 hours. |
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CASTOR BEAN |
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| Also known as the castor oil plant, mole bean,
and wonder tree. The beans can be highly toxic with a single bean
killing a dog. Symptoms may take up to 24 hours to appear.
Initially vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, and
difficulty walking can be noticed. Changes in the blood count and
increased liver enzymes result. |
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CYCAD PALMS |
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| Many species including the sago palm and fern
palm (or false sago palm) are toxic. The toxin is present in the
whole plant but is concentrated in the seeds. Vomiting begins
within a few minutes. Increased salivation and thirst can also
occur. Over the next few days loss of appetite, diarrhea or
constipation can develop. Severe liver damage is the result of the
toxin. |
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RHODODENDRON, AZALEA, AND LAUREL PLANTS |
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| The entire plants are toxic causing vomiting,
abnormal rhythm abnormalities, and neurological signs including
depression, weakness, inability to walk normally, and seizures. |
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YEWS |
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| All parts of the plant are toxic and death has
been reported in dogs after chewing on branches. Death can occur
immediately without signs or vomiting and neurological changes can
be seen. |
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AUTUMN CROCUSES |
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| The highest concentration of toxins is found in
the flower, the corm, and the seeds. Increased salivation,
depression, vomiting, milky or bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain
can occur 12 – 24 hours after ingestion progressing to weakness,
paralysis and collapse. |
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FOLGLOVE |
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| Three species occur in the United States – the
common or purple foxglove, the Grecian foxglove and the straw
foxglove. The highest concentrations of toxin are found in the
flower, fruit, and immature leaves. Dried plant material can be
toxic. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can occur along with
heart irregularities. |
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LILIES OFTHE VALLEY
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| Vomiting and increased salivation occur
initially followed by heart abnormalities, seizures, and death.
The toxin is concentrated in the roots but all parts of the plant
can be dangerous.. |
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OLEANDER |
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| Dead and dry leaves can cause toxicity as well
as the live plant. Vomiting and diarrhea occur initially followed
by heart abnormalities. |
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YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW |
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| Coughing, gagging and abnormal eye movement can
be seen within minutes to hours after ingestion followed by
tremors, seizures which resemble strychnine toxicity. |
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| Identification of plants can be difficult.
Common names can vary from region to region and different plants
can share common names. Knowing the Latin name for plants in your
home and yard can be helpful. Consulting a nursery or florist may
be necessary. If you think your pet may have been exposed to one
of these plants or is showing abnormal symptoms after exposure to
any plant call your veterinarian immediately. The APSCA Animal
Poison Control Center is a valuable resource for identifying plant
and other toxins and for providing treatment recommendations.
Their web site is http://www.aspca.org/apccv
and their phone number is (888)
4ANIHELP (426-4435). |
