Foxglove Is Poisonous To Pets

Name: Foxglove (aka. Purple Foxglove or Lady's Glove)

Toxins: Cardiac Glycoside Digitoxin

Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting within minutes of ingestion, diarrhea, anorexia, a low pulse rate, visual disturbances, confusion, uncoordinated contractions heart contractions (cardiac arrhythmias) leading to cardiac arrest and death.

Additional Information: All parts of this plant should be considered toxic and or fatal if eaten due to the presence of the Cardiac Glycoside Digitoxin, which is present in the leaves, flowers and seeds. The primary toxin Digitoxin has a profound effect on the heart causing it to beat many times stronger than normal. This the reason that the primary cause of death is cardiac arrest as the heart becomes over burdened and eventually stops. Ingestion of the plant will usually cause nausea and vomiting within minutes further limiting consumption.

First Aid: Prevent Further Ingestion of the Plant and Seek Emergency Veterinary Treatment. In cases where a large amount of the plant was ingested and the animal is suffering from Digitoxin poisoning, treatment will consist of Fab fragment intro venous infusions of anti-digitalis antibodies.