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Charming Dieffenbachia is Poisonous To Pets
Name:
Charming Dieffenbachia
Toxins:
Oxalates that bind with calcium in the blood to form calcium oxalate
crystals
Symptoms:
Intense sensation of burning in the mouth, throat, lips and tongue,
excessive drooling, choking and swelling, inability or difficulty
swallowing, Ingestion of larger quantities, can result in severe digestive
upset, extreme difficulty in breathing, rapid shallow gasps, if to much is
consumed the symptoms become much more severe and can include any of the
above with the addition of convulsions, renal failure, coma and death. It is
possible to recover from severe calcium oxalate poisoning, however in most
cases permanent liver, and kidney damage may have already occurred.
Additional Information: Hypocalcaemia
(the presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood) and/or Oxalate
Nephrosis ( Kidney disease that is characterized by the formation of lesions
of the epithelial lining of the renal tubules), can also occur. Upon
ingestion of Charming Dieffenbachia which contains oxalates, the
oxalates will be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract to bind with the
serum calcium in the blood forming calcium oxalate crystals and depleting
the blood of its normal calcium levels causing hypocalcaemia. This lack of
unbound body regulated calcium in the blood stream will impair the function
of the cell membrane causing muscular tremors, lethargy due to weakness,
collapse and quite possibly death. It is the formation of these insoluble
calcium oxalate crystals and the bodies attempt to process them that causes
irreversible kidney damage, that may lead to eventual renal failure.
First Aid: Upon ingestion of plants
containing oxalates, the mouth should be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with
water. The dog can then be given yogurt, milk, cheese or any other source of
calcium to prevent the onset of hypocalcaemia by precipitating soluble
oxalates. You should also begin fluid therapy to promote urination
and assist the body in removing the non soluble oxalate crystals. Oxalate
Nephrosis is not reversible, leaving supportive care as the only available
treatment option. Seek Veterinary Attention.
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