Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and treatment of cycad palm poisoning in 130 dogs
By Lake, B B et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2020·Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The characterization of cycad palm toxicosis and treatment effects in 130 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 130 dogs that ate cycad palms showed symptoms like diarrhea and lethargy, with some needing to be euthanized. The study found that dogs with lower liver enzyme levels (ALT) had a better chance of survival, while those with low platelet counts faced higher risks. Treatment with activated charcoal significantly lowered the risk of death, especially in dogs with elevated liver enzymes. Overall, early treatment and monitoring of liver function can help improve outcomes for dogs affected by this toxic plant.
People also search for: dog cycad palm poisoning symptoms · activated charcoal for dog poisoning · dog lethargy and diarrhea treatment
Abstract
The purpose of this retrospective study is to characterize the clinical signs, laboratory values, treatment modalities and mortality outcomes related to cycad palm toxicosis in dogs and to identify medical interventions that potentially correlate with mortality. Dogs with confirmed cycad palm ingestion were identified by reviewing medical records from two private veterinary referral centres for key terms and phrases indicative of cycad palm toxicosis. Of 130 dogs included, 107 (82.3%) presented with clinical signs. A total of 2 (1.5%) died and 14 (10.8%) were euthanized. Diarrhea, lethargy and mortality were all associated with an elevated initial alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration. Overall mortality was 12.3%, with a significantly higher proportion of dogs with an ALT concentration <125 U/L surviving compared to dogs with an elevated ALT concentration. Treatment with activated charcoal reduced the odds of death among all dogs by 82% and was even more protective among dogs with an elevated initial ALT concentration. Among dogs that had an initial platelet count performed, the presence of thrombocytopenia (<200,000/μL) was a negative prognostic indicator and was associated with a significant increase in mortality. Given the high mortality rates reported for cycad palm toxicosis, it is imperative to identify early clinical indicators of mortality as well as treatments that reduce mortality.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32839978/