Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

By K9Reproduction.com EditorialPublished Apr. 20, 2023

What Is Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs?

Sago palm is an extremely toxic houseplant and landscaping plant seen in tropical and subtropical environments. It is common in the southern states, such as southern Florida and Georgia, but is sold across the United States.

The sago palm is a member of the order Cycadaceae, genera Cycads, Macrozamia, and Zamias. Examples of the Cycad family commonly include Japanese cycad (Cycad revoluta), Cycad (Cyas cirinalis), Cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea), and Coontie plant (Zamia pumila).

How Are Sago Palms Poisonous to Dogs?

All parts of the sago palm are toxic, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic. Ingesting as little as one seed can result in poisoning and even death in dogs.

There are three main toxins found in sago palms:

Cycasin: The primary toxic agent that results in gastrointestinal signs and liver damage leading to liver failure.
β-Methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA): Responsible for neurological signs, such as seizures and coma.
Unidentified compound: Another unidentified compound in the plant causes additional neurological signs.

Symptoms of Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

Ingestion of sago palm typically results in gastrointestinal signs within 15 minutes, but symptoms can be delayed up to several hours. These signs can include:

Drooling
Inappetence
Vomiting (with or without blood)
Diarrhea (with or without blood)

Neurological signs may be seen within 4 hours after ingestion of sago palm and can include:

Weakness/Lethargy
Stumbling
Collapse
Tremors
Seizures
Coma

Severe liver failure can be seen within 2 to 3 days after ingesting sago palm. Additional clinical signs of liver failure may include:

Distended abdomen
Abdominal pain
Increased drinking and urinating
Yellow discoloration to eyes, gums, skin (jaundice)
Black-tarry stool (melena)
Bruising
Bleeding from nose or mouth
Bloody urine

Your Dog Ate a Sago Palm. Now What?

If you see your dog eat any part of a sago palm plant or seed (nut), or suspect that it may have eaten it, go to a local veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Dogs should be treated as quickly as possible, as sago palm is extremely deadly. Do not induce vomiting at home unless you have been specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian.

You and your veterinarian can also contact one of the animal poison control centers for additional information. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 when heading to the veterinary emergency hospital.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

Your veterinarian will collect a thorough history, and if possible, it is helpful to take a piece of the plant (leaves and/or seed) or a photo to make sure that the ingested plant was indeed a sago palm.

The veterinarian will start with a thorough physical examination to assess your dog’s mental and neurological status. A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation. Immediately after ingestion, the liver values are expected to be normal, but they will need to be monitored daily for the next 72 hours to check for signs of liver damage or even failure. Clotting times, specialized liver function tests (such as ammonia and bile acid tests), and abdominal ultrasound may also be recommended.

Treatment of Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

If your pet ate any part of a sago palm within a recent four-hour period, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting at the hospital for decontamination. If your dog is already showing neurological clinical signs, it may be too late to induce vomiting, as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. Your vet may provide activated charcoal to bind any additional toxins in the stomach.

Unfortunately, there is no specific medication for sago palm poisoning in dogs. Treatment is largely supportive care and treating clinical signs. Aggressive treatment is typically required for sago palm poisoning as it’s extremely deadly to dogs. Your dog will likely need to be hospitalized for a minimum of 48 hours and start on IV fluids for hydration and increased blood flow to the liver.

Additional medications will be given to treat the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, as well as treatment for tremors and seizures. Liver protectant medications are crucial for the treatment of sago palm poisoning, along with antibiotics to help with acute liver failure. Blood or plasma transfusions, vitamin K, oxygen therapy, and blood sugar support using IV dextrose may be needed depending on the severity of the poisoning.

Recovery and Management of Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial in treating sago palm poisoning in dogs. Ingestion of any part of the sago palm can be fatal, and dogs have their best chances of survival if seen quickly by a veterinarian.

Unfortunately, even with treatment, only 50 percent of dogs with sago palm poisoning survive. Rapid decontamination and aggressive treatment may improve survival odds and potentially decrease the risk of severe long-term effects.

Most dogs will remain hospitalized for observation and treatment for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours, but it may be longer, depending on the degree of liver damage. Typically, the veterinarian will recheck bloodwork to reassess liver values and clotting ability. Severely affected dogs may have permanent liver damage. Liver protectant medications will likely be continued for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks but potentially for the rest of the dog’s life.

Prevention of Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs

Prevention is key when it comes to toxicities in dogs. Sago palms are deadly, so if you have pets, do not have them in your home or as part of your landscaping.

If you live in an area where sago palm plants are common, such as southern Florida and Georgia, check your backyard regularly for any leaves or seeds of the sago palm that may have blown into your yard. The best way to prevent sago palm poisoning in your dog is to prevent them from having access to these deadly plants.

FAQs

Q: How toxic is the sago palm to dogs?A: Sago palm is extremely toxic to dogs, with the seeds being the most dangerous part. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to severe poisoning or death.

Q: What are the first signs of sago palm poisoning in dogs?A: The first signs are typically gastrointestinal, including drooling, inappetence, vomiting, and diarrhea. Neurological signs and severe liver failure can follow within hours to days.

Q: Can I treat sago palm poisoning at home?A: No, sago palm poisoning is a medical emergency. Immediate veterinary care is crucial for the best chance of survival.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from ingesting sago palm?A: Do not keep sago palms in your home or yard if you have pets. Regularly check your yard for any parts of the plant that may have blown in if you live in an area where sago palms are common.

Q: What should I do if my dog eats a sago palm?A: Go to a veterinary emergency hospital immediately and contact the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional guidance.

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