In Practice 20: 587-591 (1998)
© 1998 British Veterinary Association

Poisoning in small animals from commonly ingested plants

POISONING or suspected poisoning as a result of plant ingestions is a relatively common occurrence. Some 12 per cent of inquiries received by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) concern plant ingestions, most of these involving dogs and cats, although a number involve livestock as well. While in many cases animals remain asymptomatic or suffer little more than gastrointestinal upset, there are a few instances where more severe clinical effects have resulted. This article reviews the data available on a number of plants about which the VPIS receives regular inquiries. Other recognised toxic plant species, esuch as yew, acorns, ragwort, bracken, rhododendron, brassicas, laburnum, water dropwort and also mycotoxins, have been covered in earlier articles in this series.

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The illustrations in this article have been supplied by The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.