Sago Palm Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

Do you have sago palms in your home? These common houseplants look great and thrive in tropical and subtropical environments. Unfortunately, a toxin called cycasin makes them dangerous for pets. Learn more here from a veterinarian Smyrna, GA.

The Symptoms

Cycasin causes liver failure. Initial symptoms could include loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. As liver failure sets in, a pet could experience jaundice, lethargy, and seizures.

The Treatment

Take your pet to the nearest veterinary emergency room if you see the symptoms described above. (If you know that your pet ate part of a sago palm, try and bring along a bit of the plant to help aid in diagnosis.) Your veterinarian might induce vomiting, or give activated charcoal to soak up the remaining toxin in the gut. If your pet has progressed to liver failure, steps like IV fluid therapy and even blood transfusions might be needed.

How to Prevent Toxicity

Preventing sago palm poisoning is far easier than dealing with it after the fact. Keep sago palms out of your home, garden, and landscaping. Ask your vet about other toxic plants that are common in your area.

Call your vets Smyrna, GA for more information.