Poison Plants For Pet Symbol

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Baby Doll Ti Plant

Plant Name: 
Baby Doll Ti Plant
Scientific Name: 
Cordyline terminalis
Family: 
Agavaceae
Toxins: 
Saponin (Spirostan steroidal saponin), polysaccharides
Poisoning Symptoms: 
Gastrointestinal upset; vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), depression, inappetance, drooling, dilated pupils (cats)
Additional Information: 

Cordyline terminalis, also known as the Hawaiian Ti, Ti Tree, Good Luck Tree, Green Ti, Red Ti and occasionally giant dracecaena, is a slow growing evergreen tree with lush large broad green leaves 2' to 3' long and 6" to 8" wide. Collectively the Cordylines are often referred to as the “King of Tropical Foliage”. Native Hawaiians foster a strong belief that growing Ti plants around the home protects and brings good luck to the home. The tree is mildly toxic to pets as it does contain saponins; natural chemicals produced by the plant to protect it from insects, microbes and fungi. The level of toxin, however, is relatively low and the consequences for a pet that ingests the plant are typically limited to gastrointestinal upset. The California Poison Control System lists Cordyline terminalis as a non toxic plant for humans. This does not mean that pets cannot be affected only that the overall lethality of the plant is on the low side for all species. Further decreasing the likelihood of a potentially life threatening intoxication as a result of ingesting Cordyline terminalis is the fact that the saponins give the plant a very bitter taste, making it relatively non palatable. Thus it is wholly unlikely that a pet would or could tolerate eating a massive enough amount of the plant to suffer a life threatening toxicosis.

First Aid: 

Avoid further ingestion of the plant and consult a veterinarian. Treatment is going to be largely symptomatic and supportive. If the ingestion was recent remove any existing plant matter from the mouth and if vomiting does not occur it may be induced by giving a teaspoon or less (size dependent) of 3% hydrogen peroxide orally. The pet will more than likely start vomiting on their own without the help, as their body tries to expel this non digestible material. Ensure the pet gets plenty of fluids to avoid possible dehydration caused by diarrhea. To alleviate the gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea Kapectolin may be given at a dose rate of 1 to 2 ml/kg four times a day. Kapectolin provides a coating action that protects the stomach lining. Sucralfate may also be used as for gastrointestinal irritation as it reacts with the acids in the stomach to form a paste-like material capable of acting as a barrier between the stomach and its contents. Sucralfate is typically given to dogs weighing more the 60lbs: 1g every 6 to 8 hours; for dogs under 60 lbs: 0.5g every 6 to 8 hours; Cats: 0.25g every 8 to 12 hours to reduce irritation of the stomach and intestines. The prognosis is good and pets are expected to make a full recovery in 1 to 2 days.

Species Affected: 
Toxic To Dogs
Toxic To Cats
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