Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe

Abstract

Indoor plant poisoning poses serious threats to companion animals. One of the major reasons of this kind of hazard can be identified in the increased amount of time that the pets spend indoor, sharing the domestic environment with their owners. In this review, the toxic houseplants most commonly associated with companion animal poisoning in Europe and well-documented in the literature are emphasized. An analysis of the major and emerging plant species accountable for companion animal poisoning is proposed, in order to provide a framework of the factors influencing these incidents. Indeed, knowing the way substances may induce toxic effects in companion animals can be useful in allowing easier diagnosis and treatment processes. In conclusion, the Authors argue that a better characterization of the phenomenon, as well as of its extent, would be allowed by the availability of a centralized system for the data collection. Furthermore, better information and awareness on the issue may help developing a focused corrective approach to prevent indoor pet poisoning in Europe.

Emerging Plant Intoxications in Domestic Animals: A European Perspective

“…The active compounds are insoluble calcium oxalates that cause oral irritation and edema of the mucosa, as well as drooling, gagging, and vomiting if any part of the plant is chewed [ 8 ]. Other common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, pawing at the face, and head shaking.…”

“…Other common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, pawing at the face, and head shaking. Cases were reported in dogs and cats [ 2 , 8 , 15 ].…”

“…Cycas revoluta , known as sago palm or king sago, belongs to the Cycadaceae family, is native to tropical and subtropical regions in Japan, and is used as an ornamental plant [ 8 , 20 ]. While long used as a food source for humans, it must be processed for detoxification before consumption [ 20 ].…”

“…While long used as a food source for humans, it must be processed for detoxification before consumption [ 20 ]. Indeed, cycad species contain three types of phytotoxins, namely, the azoxyglycosides, β-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA), and an unidentified high-molecular-weight compound [ 8 , 20 ]. The azoxyglycosides include cycasin, neocycasin, and macrozamin.…”

“…A recent analysis of European literature [ 8 ] reported that the proportion of inquiries to the Poison Control Centre for pet poisonings by plants was between 5–6% and 11% [ 2 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Ten years of epidemiological data spanning from 2000 to 2010 from the Poison Control Center of Milan showed that poisonings involving plants represented between 1.7% (2004) and 8.9% (2009) [ 15 ] of the inquiries, while data collected between January 2015 and March 2019 showed that 10.19% of calls were for poisonings involving plants [ 2 ].…”