House Plant Toxicity

Introduction

Plants are an important part of the interiors of homes. Pets often chew or ingest these plants, which can lead to intoxications.

Age of the pet, boredom, and changes in the surroundings are factors that may affect the incidence of poisoning. Puppies and kittens are very inquisitive, and mouth or chew almost everything. Pets (especially single household pets) of all ages may become bored or restless if left alone or confined for too long at any one time, and chewing on objects for relief is common.

Birds also chew plants, however toxicities are rare as they rarely ingest any material. Also, few plants have been shown to be toxic to birds.

Clinical Signs

Common clinical signs include dermal and oral mucosal irritation and GIT irritation signs such as regurgitation, salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia.

Some plants have more serious effects ranging from:

cardiac signs such as: tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmias

nervous signs such as: convulsions, ataxia, tremors, paralysis

renal failure

haemolysis

death

Common Poisonous Houseplants and Ornamentals

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  Aglaonema modestum (Araceae): Chinese evergreen, Painted drop tongue
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  Aloe Barbadensis (vera) (Liliaceae): Aloe vera
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  Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae): Marijuana
• 

  Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae): Cherry pepper, Chili pepper, Ornamental pepper
• 

  Chlorophytum spp (Liliaceae): Spider plant
• 

  Colchicum autumnale (Liliaceae, Colchicaceae): Crocus
• 

  Convallaria majalis (Liliaceae): Lily-of-the-valley
• 

  Cyclamen spp (Primulaceae): Cyclamen
• 

  Dieffenbachia spp (Araceae): Dumbcane
• 

  Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariacae): Foxglove
• 

  Euphorbia pulcherrima (Euphorbiaceae): Poinsettia
• 

  Hyacinthus spp (Liliaceae): Hyacinths
• 

  Ilex aquifolium (Aquifoliaceae): English holly
• 

  Lilium longiflorum ; L tigrinum (Liliaceae): Easter lily, Trumpet lily
• 

  Narcissus spp (Amaryllidaceae): Daffodils
• 

  Philodendron spp (Araceae): Philodendron
• 

  Phoradendron flavescens (Viscaceae): Mistletoe
• 

  Rhododendron spp (Ericaceae): Azalea, Rhododendron
• 

  Solanum pseudocapsicum (Solanaceae): Jerusalem cherry
• 

  Taxus spp (Taxaceae): Yew

Treatment Considerations

The cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems should be assessed and stabilised if necessary.

A capsule history, including details of any suspect plants, should be taken. Also information should be gathered on any other medical conditions the animal is suffering from.

Access to the plant should be prevented.

In the case of skin irritations, the skin should be thoroughly lavaged using isotonic fluids to eliminate any toxins still present on the surface.

If the plant was ingested, further absorption should be prevented by inducing emesis, performing gastric lavage, or administering activated charcoal and cathartics.

Gastroprotectants can then be administered if there is irritation of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Most plant intoxications respond to symptomatic therapy and correction of any fluid and electrolyte imbalances that may occur. The animal usually recovers with no lasting effects. The oral mucosa may have suffered local irritation and tube feeding may be necessary in the first instance.

More serious symptoms such as convulsions and cardiovascular effects should be dealt with appropriately.

House Plant Toxicity Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Avian Medicine Q&A 07

References

Merck and Co (2008) Merck Veterinary Manual Merial

Boden, E. (1998) Black's Veterinary Dictionnary Rowman and Littlefield

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