The plant that time forgot…but you shouldn’t.
Sago Palm
Scientific Name:
Cycas revoluta, zamia species
Family:
Cycadaceae
Toxicity:
Toxic to Dogs, Cats, Horses
Toxic Principles:
Cycasin
We see it everywhere; roadside kiosks, nurseries, the local lawn and garden center, our neighbor’s yard and sometimes even our own. Its feathery foliage and ease of care combined with its ability to be grown indoors or out makes it an almost irresistible choice for many home gardeners. Sagos can perk up a dull room or add a whopping punch of visual interest to your outdoor landscape. Add the fact that they are drought resistant, virtually problem free, as well as great for beginners, and VIOLA! You now have one of the most popular plants on the market. Yet few of us recognize it. How is it that a plant so popular can be so unknown?
While garden centers are busy telling you all the great things about your new plant, sadly, they always leave out one very important piece of information. IT CAN KILL YOUR PETS! Now, let’s not rest the blame solely on the guy behind the apron. Truth is, he may not know himself. Somehow, despite its popularity and an ever increasing pet fatality rate, this fact has remained the sago’s little secret.
So, here is the down and dirty. Although called palms, Sago Palms are not palms at all, they are actually considered a cycad (one of the oldest groups of plants dating back to prehistoric times) but that’s not their only surprise, you may also find them under the name Coontie palms, Cardboard palms, Cycads, Cycadaceae, Japanese cycad, Cycad revolute, sago, Zamias, Marozamia, Zamia pumila, Zamia furfuracea, and Cycas cirinalis. Unlike other, more commonly known, toxic plants whose main threat is their seed, ALL parts of the Sago Palm are toxic; leaves, trunk, roots and seeds. The toxin at work is called cycasin. Cycasin is a neurotoxic glycoside and carcinogen (causes cancer) to which there is no known antidote.
Once ingested, signs of Sago Palm poisoning (cycasin poisoning) can occur within 15 minutes but may not occur for a several hours. Initial symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody Stool (Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis)
It is important to seek medical attention upon observation of early signs of ingestion. Failure to seek immediate medical care will result in severe liver failure. Just one to two hours post ingestion the toxin will have left the pet’s stomach and their chances of survival is greatly diminished. More advanced symptoms include:
- Stumbling, unsteady gate (Ataxia)
- Weakness
- Black-tarry stool (melena)
- Jaundice (icterus)
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
- Bruising
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Death
Treatment needs to be immediate and aggressive. Early medical intervention including aggressive decontamination (induced vomiting, gastric lavage) and supportive care such as IV fluids, gastro protectives, and medications to protect the liver are the main focus and allot your pet the best chance of survival. Other therapies may include anti-seizure medications as well as medications to support the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
To date, the survival rate of Sago Palm poisoning is about 50% which, may in part, be attributed to delayed treatment due to lack of knowledge. Sadly, survival is only half the battle for some pets who have had an encounter with this deadly plant. For these pets, the threat of delayed liver failure remains even after they leave the hospital.
By this point, those of you with pets, may be thinking about pulling up every Sago Palm you can find, but wait, there’s no need to kick start a type of sago-based genocide. Just as you shouldn’t give up on your pet, let’s not give up on the sago. While better safe than sorry when it comes to plants that will be accessible to our pets, when planted responsibly, the sago can coexist peacefully.
Hopefully, increased education and fast action will help eliminate the multitude of senseless and tragic deaths that occur each year due to this beautiful plant.
If you suspect your pet has ingested Sago Palm contact your veterinarian, Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) and proceed immediately to your vet or nearest veterinary emergency hospital.
