Poisonous plants part 2

Abstract

In this second article more toxic plants are discussed and a table of other potentially toxic plants is provided for reference. Poisoning with Allium species, including onions and garlic, is characterised by Heinz body anaemia in both cats and dogs. Conkers and acorns are commonly eaten in the autumn, particularly by dogs, and generally only cause gastrointestinal signs, although there is a potential risk of obstruction. Numerous plants contain cyanogenic glycosides that may potentially release cyanide in the gut (depending on the circumstances); however, gastrointestinal signs are the main feature of poisoning in cats and dogs. Severe laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) and yew (Taxus spp.) poisoning in cats and dogs is also rare, although deaths have been reported in the literature. Laburnum can cause central nervous system stimulation and yew can result in cardiac arrhythmias which may be difficult to manage. The castor oil plant (Ricinis communis) contains ricin, which is extremely toxic and causes multi-organ failure, but severe cases in dogs are generally only associated with ingestion of chewed seeds or castor oil bean meal fertiliser. Hops (Humulus lupulus), which are commonly eaten as spent hops from brewing, cause severe pyrexia in dogs, which requires aggressive treatment and is associated with a high mortality.