Toxic Plant ID

Toxic Plant Identification

  • Speaker: Erin Lemley, CVT, CWR

  • Course: Animal Disease 2

Treatment Protocol

  • Primary Focus: Treat the patient for toxic exposure.

  • Common Signs of Toxicity: Clinical signs often overlap; require vigilance.

  • Supportive Care:

    • Fluids - important for hydration.

    • Warmth - helps stabilize body temperature.

    • Medications - as prescribed by a veterinarian.

  • Diagnostic Steps:

    • Collaborate with veterinarians for proper diagnostics.

    • Gather a thorough history from pet owners for effective treatment.

    • Avoid getting tunnel vision; remain open to different signs and symptoms.

Mild to Moderate Gastrointestinal Signs

  • Key Plants: Contain calcium oxalate crystals.

    • Characteristics of Crystals: Sharp and irritating.

  • Symptoms:

    • Oral irritation

    • Ptyalism (excessive salivation)

    • Vomiting

    • Difficulty swallowing

    • Generally toxic to all species.

Calcium Oxalate Crystal Plants

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):

    • Commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or Money Plant.

    • Heart-shaped leaves that can be solid green or variegated.

  • Umbrella Tree (Schefflera sp.):

    • Features 7-9 leaflets on branches with woody stems.

  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.):

    • Oval dark green leaves with visible stripes.

    • Produces a single white leaf flower resembling a corn cob; not a true lily.

  • English Ivy (Hedera helix):

    • Vine with three-pointed leaves.

    • Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; causes vomiting and abdominal pain.

Nephrotoxicity

  • Lilies (Lilium sp.):

    • Includes species such as Day Lilies, Tiger Lilies, Asiatic Lilies.

    • Flowers have six petals; highly toxic to cats.

    • Exact toxic mechanism remains unknown.

  • Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum):

    • Contains soluble calcium oxalates that are not spiky.

    • Can lead to kidney failure if ingested.

    • Toxic parts: Large wrinkly leaves and red stems.

    • All animal species should avoid leaves; dangerous for humans too.

Hepatotoxicity

  • Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta):

    • Causes severe hepatotoxicity, especially if seeds are ingested.

    • Highly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; more common in dogs due to thier affinity for seeds.

    • Recognizable by feather-shaped leaves and a short brown shaggy trunk.

Cardiogenic Toxicities

  • Yew (Taxus sp.):

    • Causes cardiac failure and central nervous system signs.

    • Easy to identify: Low evergreen shrub with floppy branches and red berries.

    • Toxic to cats, dogs, and domestic ruminants; safe for white-tailed deer.

  • Azalea/Rhododendron:

    • Symptoms: Diarrhea, weakness, depression, and cardiovascular collapse.

    • Shrub with profuse pink or white blossoms.

  • Oleander (Nerium Oleander):

    • Highly toxic with potential for cardiac toxicity that may lead to death.

    • Causes gastrointestinal symptoms; common poison in livestock.

    • Typically recognized by long, stiff leaves and 5 petaled flowers in multiple colors.

Multi-System Failure

  • Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale):

    • Known as "naked ladies" due to its flower appearance.

    • Causes severe symptoms: Oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, and multi-organ damage.

    • Particularly toxic to felines; blooms in the fall with pink to purple flowers and orange sepals.

Red Blood Cell Destruction

  • Red Maple (Acer rubrum):

    • Specifically toxic to horses; causes destruction of red blood cells.

    • Wilted leaves are the most toxic component.

    • This species is native to the eastern United States.