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Cordatum Is Poisonous To Pets
Name:
Cordatum
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 Cordatum 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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