Spring is in the air and all around the world people are browsing
nurseries and retailers to find the perfect plants for their green thumb
needs. How often does one read up on the plants they are using instead
of just picking the prettiest specimens in the store? Sadly, this is not
often. Pets, like children, are curious creatures…always getting into
something they shouldn't. The same care should be taken in seeing that
they are safe in your garden. Some plants can make animals sick, and
some are lethal.
According to Dana Farbman, Senior Manager of Client
and Professional Relations within the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center, the top four plant poisoning calls in 2003 were Cannabis sativa
(marijuana), Cycas revoluta (sago palm), Spathiphyllum (peace lily) and
Philodendron. "Depending on the plant and exposure situation involved,
potential long-term or residual effects from plant poisonings could
possibly occur", she says, "for example, in certain situations,
ingestion of cycads (such as Sago Palm) could potentially result in
liver failure or residual neurological effects". Other plants with
potential for sickness and toxicity are:
Nerium oleander
(Oleander) a member of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), releases the
toxins of oleandrin and nerioside. Known for its ease as a houseplant,
oleander is common and beloved. Having white, pink or red showy flowers
one to three inches in diameter, this plant can make a shrub or small
tree. Easy to grow, and easy on the eyes; oleander is lethal. Similar to
the plant foxglove (of which the heart drug Digitalis is made) this
plant too affects the heart's rate and rhythm. Although the sap is
bitter like rotten lemons, hungry animals may chew on it. Dry leaves are
a bit more palatable to animals, but just as deadly as the green
leaves. Don't let your pet around any part of the oleander plant,
whether the whole plant, twigs you remove, or if the plant is burned and
smoke is near. A single leaf is enough to kill a small child, and 30-40
leaves can put horses to death. The signs of poisoning are rapid,
usually the animal is just found dead.
Prunus armeniaca
(Apricot) produces hydrogen cyanide. This is the poison that gives
almonds their characteristic flavor. It is found mainly in the leaves
and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste.
Symptoms of
an apricot poisoning will include anxiety, breathing difficulty, and
convulsions. There is occasionally death associated with the poisoning
and it follows a collapse and then a sudden death.
Conium
maculatum (Poison Hemlock, Hemlock) the toxin in this is coniine, a
pyridine derivative that is very similar in function to nicotine. It is
found in all parts of the plant but especially in the new leaves and
seeds. Symptoms of a poisoning will include nervousness and trembling,
loss of balance and coordination, with occasional depression, coma and
death. Take care around all hemlock.
Cicuta maculata (Spotted
Cowbane, Water Hemlock, Spotted Water Hemlock) Described as a "violently
poisonous plant", water hemlock deaths are very painful. The body will
be spastic and convulse, followed by drooling, nausea, and mass
delirium. All parts are poisonous, especially the roots of it. It was a
plant used by Native Americans for suicide. Take immediate action to get
help if you suspect a hemlock poisoning as it is a fast killer.
Xanthium strumarium (common Cocklebur) from the daisy family, this
plant has a high toxicity rating for cattle, less so for house pets.
Signs include gastrointestinal disorders, cardiac symptoms, behavioral
and breathing changes. Care should be taken that the plant isn't in
grazing fields or hasn't fallen into feed containers. Buying seed and
feed from reputable dealers is a better and safer bet.
Hydrangea
macrophylla (Hydrangea) contains the toxic chemical cyanogenic
glycoside. Signs of a poisoning by Hydrangea include loss of weight,
high heart rate, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
Onoclea
sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) the toxic element in sensitive fern is not
known but toxicity has been seen in horses fed hay that had the fern.
Animals are seen staggering with an abnormal heart rate and muscle
tremors after ingesting. All parts of this plant are toxic; the roots
being the most toxic.
Euphorbia marginata (Snow on the Mountain,
Ghost Weed) the toxin is euphorbin in this plant and it affects the
gastrointestinal system on most animals. You will find the toxin in the
leaves, stem and in the milky sap of the plant. Symptoms include severe
mouth, throat and stomach irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Caladium hortulanum (Elephant Ears) Contains calcium oxalate crystals
which clinically produces intense oral irritation and burning. Signs
will include excessive drooling, vomiting, increased difficulty in
swallowing, and general mouth and throat problems.
Euphorbia
pulcherrima (Poinsettia) once considered a highly toxic plant; the
Christmas favorite still has enough bite to sufficiently ruin your pet's
holiday. The sap from the leaves contain an irritant that will make
your pet vomit and have head tremors. Take care and leave this one in a
safe place in your house.
Prunus virginianum (Choke cherry) like
the apricot, Choke cherry contains high concentrations of hydrogen
cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavor. It is
found in the Seeds and bark of the plant. Symptoms of a poisoning by
choke cherry will include Anxiety, breathing difficulty, convulsions,
followed by occasional collapse and sudden death.
Coronilla
varia (Crown Vetch) while crown vetch is safe for a number of animals,
take care to keep horses from grazing near it. Nitroglycoside, which is
broken down in animals such as cows, builds up in horses and will
produce symptoms of slow growth, paralysis, and sometimes death. A small
nibbling shouldn't hurt, but if your horse digests much, call a vet.
Dicentra ssp. (Bleeding Heart) Containing the toxin isoquinolone
alkaloids, this plant affects cats, cattle and humans. Symptoms will
include muscle weakness, staggering, and convulsions. Some will see
projectile vomiting after ingesting. Rarely animals will die from
Bleeding Heart, as treatment is available.
Sambucus canadensis
(Elderberry) Cattle, goats, and humans are affected by the toxin
sambunigrin. Take care with the leaves, roots and stems as the main
concentration of the toxin is here, but the berries would take a
massively high dose to make you sick
