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17 Common Poisonous Plants
Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While
the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even
ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.
What flora should be forbidden in your home, pet parents? Dr. Steven Hansen,
veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President, shows you examples
of the most common potentially dangerous plants.
Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of
the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea,
drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.
Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts”
contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds
can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression,
seizures and liver failure.
Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense
gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central
nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.
Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which
can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central
nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to
coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac
glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including
gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and
even death.
Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein
that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive
thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result
in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.
Cyclamen
Cylamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic
component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed,
Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense
vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.
Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation,
as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac
rhythm and rate.
Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central
nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing.
It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure,
which can result in death.
Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins
that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation,
anorexia and tremors.
Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody
vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.
Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins
that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea,
if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop
if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.
English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and
California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets
ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.
Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation,
excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and
irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.
Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed
or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation
and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can
cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing
and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who
ingest.
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