Sago Palm Toxicity For dogs

Dogs and cats are known to chew on and eat plants, some of which pose toxicity dangers to pets. Sago palms are one of these plants. All parts of the sago palm can cause severe damage to the liver and potentially death when they are ingested by dogs or cats.

---

Symptoms and types

The symptoms and effects of sago palm ingestion can be severe. Please look out for the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Blood in feces
• Bloody diarrhea
• Icterus (yellow coloration of skin and gums)
• Increased thirst
• Increased urine
• Bruising
• Bleeding easily (coagulopathy, DIC)
• Neurological signs such as depression, circling, paralysis, seizures, coma
• Death

When a dog or cat ingests a sago palm, a toxin called cycasin begins to damage the liver. Liver disease can lead to abnormal bleeding and clots in the bloodstream in addition to neurological abnormalities.

---

Diagnosis And Treatment of sago palm poisoning

A series of blood and urine tests are performed, and test results may show signs of liver disease. Diagnosis is also based on history of presence and ingestion of the plant.

​If ingestion has just occurred and symptoms are not present, your veterinarian may induce vomiting.

​If evidence of liver disease is present via clinical signs or abnormalities in blood and/or urine tests, additional treatment will be necessary. Fluid therapy and blood/plasma transfusions will be required. Controlling vomiting with anti-emetic medications is recommended. Antibiotics, gastrointestinal protectants and vitamin K may also be administered by your veterinarian. S-Adenosylmethionine, Ursodeoxycholic acid, or vitamin E may be of benefit as well.

---

preventing sago palm poisoning

You can help avoid ingestion by making sure the sago palm is out of reach of your pets. Ideally, this plant should be removed from your yard to ensure your pet's safety. If you remove a sago palm from your environment, it's important to ensure no debris remains that your pet may be tempted to ingest. Many sago palm toxicities occur when squirrels or other animals transport portions of sago palms into other yards that may not contain the plant itself, so always be cautious of any plant debris your pet can ingest. 

If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of a sago palm, please call one of our 3 locations immediately or click on the button below in order to seek help from the best veterinarians in The Woodlands.

Make An Appointment