Sago Palms (cycas revoluta) are one of the most popular cycads in the southern states because they are relatively drought resistant and they grow well in sandy soil as well as full sun.
These plants can be found in almost any garden center in the Houston area.
The sago palm contains a toxic component called cycasin. Even very young plants are toxic enough to cause death in animals. Dogs and cats are susceptible, as are horses, cows and people. The seeds are the most toxic component, but any part of the plant can be toxic. Pets, especially dogs, find the plant very palatable. Some owners believe that the spikes will deter pets from eating the plant, but that's not always the case.
Clinical signs can develop within 6-12 hours after ingestion, they include: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, icterus (yellowing of the skin), increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bloody stool), bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure and death. The death rate can be as high as 30%, especially if no treatment is initiated.
There is no antidote for sago palm ingestion. Treatment begins by inducing vomiting within 1-2 hour of ingestion for the best results. If too many hours pass, only supportive treatment can be given. The pet will be placed on intravenous fluids, given gastroprotectants, antibiotics, antiemtics (for vomiting), and liver support medications. The blood will be monitored for changes in the liver enzymes, red blood cells,and electrolytes.
Sometimes patients recover from acute effects of the poisoning but may die a month or so later of related liver failure. This is most likely due to fibrosis during the healing process - it becomes a chronic condition, like alcoholism. If the animal does survive, they may always have some liver damage and need to be monitored closely.
At Pearland Animal Hospital, we see several cases a year of sago palm ingestion. When the owners initiate treatment quickly (because they saw the pet ingest the plant) treatment is usually successful. Most of the time (if owners do not know the pet ingested the plant) the animal will present at the clinic in severe liver failure 2-3 days after ingestion. The outcome in these situations are not as good. It is important to take a look at your yard (especially the backyard where pets may be unattended) and make sure access to these plants is not possible. If your animal is ever showing any of these symptoms, please let us know right away if you have a sago palm in your yard. If you ever see your pet eating any part of this plant, call us immediately.
-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM
The ASPCA Poison Control Center lists toxic and non-toxic plants on its Web site:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/