Oleander contains compounds that act as cardiac glycosides. These are toxins that affect a dog's heart by interrupting the electrolyte balance there. The result is life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. All parts of the oleander plant, including flowers, leaves, fruit, stems, and roots, contain cardiac glycosides and are poisonous if ingested by a dog.
There are blood tests that can confirm the presence of oleander's toxins in a dog's bloodstream, but it takes too long to get the results when a dog has been poisoned. Usually, a diagnosis is made on suspicion based on history and clinical signs. A dog's blood potassium levels are usually high during oleander poisoning, which can help confirm a veterinarian's suspicions. Vomiting is usually induced if a dog has eaten oleander and hasn't already vomited on his own.
Activated charcoal is then given, which can help bind remaining oleander and move it through the dog's system with less absorption. Available at: www. A review of the natural history, toxinology, diagnosis and clinical management of Nerium oleander common oleander and Thevetia peruviana yellow oleander poisoning.
Toxicon ; Kiran C, Prasad DN. A review on Nerium Oleander Linn. Int J Pharmacog and Phytochem Res ; Oleander toxicosis in a donkey. J Vet Intern Med ; Acute cattle intoxication from Nerium oleander pods. Trop Anim Health Prod ; Clinical and pathological aspects of experimental oleander Nerium oleander toxicosis in sheep. Vet Res Comm ; Experimental poisoning of dogs with green leaves of Nerium oleander and use of fructose 1,6 diphosphate and glucose as treatment.
Toxicity in goats caused by oleander Nerium oleander. Res Vet Sci ; Page C, Murtaugh RJ. Hypoglycemia associated with oleander toxicity in a dog. J Med Toxicol ; Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species.
Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling Additional information can be found online at www. By Role. Dangerous beauty: Oleander toxicosis in dogs, horses and more. May 3, Pretty poison Nerium oleander is well-described as a shrub or small tree growing to heights of six to 12 feet.
A single pink oleander flower. Fingering the guilty party The diagnosis is based on a history of plant ingestion, description of plant and parts ingested and time of ingestion. Ameliorating the effects If animals are physiologically capable of vomiting and are not already doing so, emesis should be induced if presented within the first hour or so after ingestion.
All parts of the oleander plant is in fact, toxic to dogs. Nerium oleander commonly known as Nerium or oleander is a type of evergreen shrub often used in gardens because it is hardy and low maintenance.
It also blossoms with large, colorful flowers, particularly in the summer months. Oleander is a versatile plant and can be used as a hedge, a screening plant, or to add color and interest to your borders. It is widespread and grown in many US states. Yes, oleander is toxic to dogs , but also other animals as well as people. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the leaves, stems, and flowers. However, the taste of the plant is so bitter that this is usually off-putting enough to stop much of it from being consumed.
The plant contains cardiac glycosides , the main one is called oleandrin. These compounds disrupt the electrolytes in the body leading to an increase in potassium. This causes potentially life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart irregular heartbeats. Glycosides also cause bradycardia a decrease in heart rate which can, in turn, cause a drop in blood pressure. These toxins are very similar to digitalis or digoxin which is a heart medication used in humans and animals.
This drug is used very carefully to avoid toxicity and utilize its beneficial effects in medicine. The plant can also be an irritant to the skin, with the sap of the plant possibly causing skin rashes , itchiness, and also blurred vision.
You should take care when pruning the plant by wearing gloves. Other plants that also contain toxic cardiac glycosides include:. If your pup eats any of these plants, then treatment must be sought promptly , just the same as for oleander.
By following the steps below, you put your dog in the best position to mitigate potential problems from oleander ingestion. Remove your dog from the area and stop him from consuming any more of the plant. Place them in a secure location, where they no longer have access to the plant.
Has there been any vomiting or diarrhea? Do you notice them drooling excessively or pacing around , and showing signs of poor health? Make note of anything that looks off, and be ready to describe any potential changes in their behavior to your veterinarian.
Was it a bunch of flowers that were eaten, or an entire plant? Could he have eaten any other non-toxic plants like dandelions or petunias while he was in the garden too?
Make a note of how much was eaten, and if anything else was eaten at the same time. Call them immediately to let them know what has happened. If they want to examine your canine companion, make sure you bring them to the clinic as soon as possible.
The sooner your pup can be seen, the better chance they have to recover. Symptoms can start within 30 minutes or so of the plant being eaten and can be quite dramatic depending on the quantity consumed. If you know for sure that your dog has eaten oleander then you should contact your veterinarian straight away. If your pet has eaten any part of the plant, you must call your veterinarian straight away as this is an emergency.
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