[The20Percent]

Awhile back we had several dogs in the Gilchrist community become sick and some died. I don't think anyone ever found out what caused this. Could this have been the cause? I just learned while watching TV that Sago Palms are very dangerous for dogs! I am passing this along because there are many Sago Palms in the community. The man on TV had 2 dogs poisoned from Sago Palms he had planted in his yard not knowing how dangerous they are to cats & dogs.

Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs

Level of toxicity: Severe

Common signs to watch for:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Inappetance
Abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Abdominal pain
Jaundice
Black-tarry stool
Sago palms are naturally found in tropical/subtropical environments; they are also used as ornamental Bonsai houseplants. These palms are members of the Order Cycadacae; generaCycads, Macrozamia, and Zamias. Examples of the cycad family include Cycad (Cycas cirinalis), Japanese cycad (Cycad revolute), Coontie plant (Zamia pumila), and Cardbord palm (Zamia furfuracea). All parts of sago palm are considered poisonous, with the seeds (nuts) being the most toxic part of the plant. Sago palm contains cycasin, which is the primary active toxic agent resulting in severe liver failure in dogs. Ingestion results in acute gastrointestinal signs (e.g., drooling, inappetance, vomiting, diarrhea) within 15 minutes to several hours after ingestion. Central nervous system signs (e.g., weakness, ataxia, seizures, tremors, etc.) and severe liver failure can be seen within 2-3 days post-ingestion. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetance, abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen, abdominal pain, jaundice, and black-tarry stool. Aggressive decontamination and treatment should be initiated. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival is about 50%.

If you suspect your dog or cat ate sago palm, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately for life-saving treatment recommendations.

Poison type: Plants

Alternate names: Cycads, Cycadaceae, sago, Zamias, Macrozamia, Cycas cirinalis, Japanese cycad, Cycad revolute, Coontie plant, Zamia pumila, Cardbord palm, Zamia furfuracea