Common plant toxicity

Case study – alkaloids

Molly is a bright young Maltese cross who was presented to our Inner West clinic for abnormal behaviour. Molly and her housemate Lucy had been fine one hour ago, but Molly suddenly became wobbly and disorientated. Her eyes and muscles were twitchy and she was tending to get very sleepy.

Molly had not recently been unwell and up until one hour prior to presentation, she had been absolutely fine. She was eating and drinking normally and running around the backyard with the other dog, Lucy.

The owners then noticed Lucy to be a bit less sturdy in her walking. When she got excited, she walked like she was drunk.

Given that both dogs had suddenly developed a problem, it was suspected that they may have ingested something toxic. Immediately prior to the dogs becoming unwell, the owners had been doing some plant pruning. In particular they had been cutting back a very common garden plant called Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (brunfelsia spp.). The owners noted that Molly in particular had been ingesting the flower pods.

Checking the toxicology books, we discovered that this plant contains compounds called alkaloids that are particularly toxic to pets if they ingest them. Eating the plant can cause tremors, convulsions and even coma.

Molly was given agents to make her vomit up what was still in her stomach, then she had her stomach and bowels pumped. She was given anti-seizure medications and agents to prevent further absorption. Lots of plant material was retrieved. Molly stayed in hospital for two days and is now happy back at home with her family. And the tree, nothing left but a hole in the ground.

Lots of plants are potentially toxic to animals. Most have bitter tastes that discourage your pets from chewing on them. If you’re worried about what’s in your yard, ask one of our vets to look it up for you, or Ask The Vet on our website at www.sydneyanimalhospitals.com.au.