Honey, a 3 month old English Bulldog, is a rambunctious puppy who loved to play and explore her environment. Unfortunately, Honey decided to explore her owner’s Sago Palm houseplant and chew on its leaves. Sago Palm is considered very toxic for animals, despite being a common household plant.
Sago palm is an ornamental houseplant. The principle toxin of the plant is Cycasin, which causes GI upset and irreversible damage to the liver (a condition called cirrhosis of the liver). Signs of toxicity develop in 12 hours after ingestion. Pets typically demonstrate gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. Since the liver is responsible for clotting pathways, the toxin can further inhibit these pathways and cause the dog to bleed within the body. The prognosis for cycad poisoning is generally poor.
In Honey’s case, she was brought by her owner to the Animal Emergency Room for emergency treatment. Honey’s bloodwork revealed abnormally high liver values. Honey was hospitalized and treated for Sago Palm Toxicity. Treatment involved 24 hour care with intravenous fluid therapy, controlling the gastrointestinal upset with medication, and providing liver support supplements. After two days of hospitalization, Honey was no longer vomiting and began eating on her own. She was discharged to the care of her owner. Upon follow-up with Honey’s regular veterinarian, her recheck bloodwork revealed the liver values improving. Honey was reported to have been doing well ever since.
