Sago Palm Toxicity

Tricia, a good client of mine, was in recently and asked about an article she saw on the Internet regarding poisoning caused by the Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta). Apparently this particular plant is becoming quite popular in local stores and gardening centers where it is sold as an ornamental plant.

A little research confirmed Tricia's fears. The plant contains three toxic principles, the primary one being cycasin. Ingestion of the leaves, flowers, or seeds can lead to liver damage. Clinical signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression, coma, and death over a period of several hours to few days. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association back in 1998 looked at 60 cases of Sago Palm toxicosis. 95% of the cases developed liver and gastrointestinal tract problems and the mortality rate once clinical signs developed was 32.1%.

The best solution is prevention, but if your pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the Sago Palm, get it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. The damage can be minimized if vomiting can be induced and activated charcoal administered before signs appear. Once clinical signs appear, treatment is supportive; no specific antidote exists. Waiting can be fatal!

Steve McBride, DVM