Health Tips

Just remember that identification of a specific plant may be difficult. They can have common names that differ and come in all colors and varieties. Sometimes one may need the help of a botanist or nursery employee.

An excellent source for identification of toxic plants or questions and concerns about toxins in general is the ASPCA. Their web site is www.apcc.aspca.com.

Poinsettias: Euphorbia pulcherrima
They have a thick milky sap that can be irritating to the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract (GI). Reports of toxicity have been greatly exaggerated. In a report on human ingestion, a 50 pound child would have to eat 1.25 pounds of the plant to be toxic. That would be about 500-600 leaves. Clincial signs consists of vomiting, anorexia, and depression. Usually, the signs are self limiting. Resting the GI tract for a couple of hours is generally all the treatment one needs.

Christmas Cactus: Schlumbergera truncata
This is a member of the cactus family and may also be called a Craw Claw Cactus. This plant is non toxic and ingestion usually results in mild clinical signs of vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and depression.

Mistletoe: Viscaceae Genus: Phoradendron
In North America, there are 43 species and only 8 of those are toxic. American Mistletoe is called P. leucarpum, P. serotinum, P. flavescens. The toxic ingredient inhibits protein synthesis and can cause effects on the heart, such as low blood pressure, low heart rate, and increased heart contraction. The same clinical signs can be seen with ingesting the Castor Bean or Rosary Pea plants. Despite these potential clinical signs, poisoning is infrequent. Depending upon amount ingested, clinical signs may also include vomiting, depression, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. If you suspect that your animal has ingested mistletoe, seek Veterinary attention immediately.

Holly: Aquifoliaceae
The North American Species is Holly: Ilex and can be toxic. The leaves and berries are the toxic parts and contain the same ingredients in chocolate that can be toxic to animals. These are caffeine, Theobromide and theophylline. They also contain saponins, which can cause a dog or cat to vomit, become depressed, or salivate profusely.

Shamrocks: Trifolium repens (White Clover)
Shamrocks are usually hard to grow inside, however, most plant/flower arrangements use Oxalis acetosella called Oxalate accumulators. Because of the low pH in its sap, this plant can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. It is the same mechanism that occurs when a dog or cat ingests antifreeze or other products containing oxalic acid (like certain types of rust removers and the plant Rhubarb: Rheum rhabarum). Fortunately, most shamrock ingestion does not progress this far and you may see mild clinical signs like vomiting, anorexia, and salvation. Although, if pre-existing kidney disease exists, or if a large amount of the plant is ingested, close monitoring for kidney failure would be warranted.

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Lilies
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR CAT OWNERS SINCE CATS ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO LILIES! Lilies have no effect on dogs.

1. Easter Lily: Lilium longiforum
2. Tiger Lily: Lilium tigerinum
3. Japanese Show Lily: Lilium hybridum
4. Rubrum Lily: Lilium rubrum
5. Stargazer Lily: Lilium auratum
6. Glory Lily: Glorioso superba
7. Day Lily: Hemerocallis species
   (common plant for landscaping)
8. Lily hybrids

All portions of the plant and even the pollen are toxic to cats. As little as 1 leaf can be fatal. The toxic principle has not been determined. From March 1st to April 1st, the ASPCA reported 60 cases of lily toxicosis with varying outcomes for the cats. Clinical signs like vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dehydration can start in 2-6 hours. One can see elevated kidney enzymes and electrolytes in the blood system in 24-72 hours after ingestion. Postponing treatment for greater than 18 hours can result in irreversible kidney failure and death. In some cases, a cat may recover but can take weeks and still may suffer from chronic kidney failure. Here at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital, we suspect about 4 cases last spring. Veterinary care should be sought immediately if you think your cat has ingested any of the lilies listed above (even if only a small amount).

The Peace Lilly: Spathiphllum, Calla Lily: Zantedechia and Amaryllis Lily These varieties do not lead to kidney failure.

Although the Lily Of The Valley: Convallaria majalis does not cause kidney disease, it is still a potential threat. It affects the heart by producing cardiac glycosides that lead to sudden collapse and even death. All parts of this plant are toxic, even the roots.

FoxGlove: Digitalis purpura (Purple Foxglove); Digitalis lantata (Grecian Foxglove); Digitalis lutea (Straw Foxglove)
All portions of this plant are toxic but the highest concentrations of toxicity are in the flowers and fruit. Immature leaves are very bitter and unlikely to be ingested but the dried leaves are not and can be potential source of toxin. This plant can cause acute death by abnormalities of the heart rhythm or heart arrhythmias.

Nerium Oleander or other wise known as Laurel Rosa, Laurel Blanco, Laurel Colorado.
All portions of this plant are toxic, including dried and dead leaves. This plant can cause acute death by abnormalities of the heart rhythm or heart arrhythmias. One may experience vomiting and diarrhea as well.

Yew Taxus
This is a very common plant used for hedges. The principle toxin is called Taxine. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the berries. If ingested, a very rapid death may occur with a grave prognosis of heart arrhythmias.

Castro Bean
Some other names are Castro Oil, Mole Bean, or Wonder Tree. The beans can be used as decorative beads. The ASPCA reports that 1 bean can be toxic enough to kill a dog. Death comes by abnormalities of the heart rhythm or heart arrhythmias. The outer coating must be chewed in order to release toxin.

Azalea; Rhododendren; Laurel bushes
The whole plant is toxic and blocks certain channels in the body that are responsible for muscle and nerve cell function. Clinical signs are vomiting, depression, seizures, and difficulty walking normally.

Hyacinthus; Muscari armeniacium (Grape hyacinth)
Clinical signs occur from contact dermatitis to eyes, mouth, or skin. Signs may include mild to moderate gastrointestinal, multi systemic, or cardac signs. Results may vary depending upon the amount and breed of plant ingested.

Daffodil (Toxic); Paper whites (not toxic); Tulip: Tulipa; Narcissus
These plants cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal, multi systemic, or cardac signs. Results may vary depending upon the amount and breed of plant ingested.

Crocus; Colchium (Autumn crocus); Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)
Results in mild to moderate gastrointestinal irritation.

Cyclamen; Iris; Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit)
Results in moderate to severe gastrointestinal irritation.

Hydrangea
This plant's toxin is similar to Cyanide toxicity. Clinical signs can be vomiting, depression, increase heart and respiratory rate, body temperature, and brick red gums. Apricot pits can contain Cyanide-like properties as well.

Philodendrom oxcardium
The toxic substance is calcium oxalate crystal. The main clinical signs noticed are oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth and lips, excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing.