Corn Plant Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, and Diagnosis.
The cornstalk plant is a common hedge plant in tropical Africa.It does not grow wild in the United States and other temperate zones because it is adapted to live in a climate without frost.The Dracaena fragrans plant is not related to the maize plant grown for food.The lucky bamboo and dragon tree are two of the Dracaena species that are grown as houseplants.The plants have been classified as part of the Asparagaceae family, rather than their own specific family.The cornstalk or corn plant has bright green leaves and a sweet smelling flower.
There are no records of deaths but it is considered toxic to dogs.The most common sign that your dog has eaten this plant is Gastrointestinal upset, with excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.Cats are more likely to have more extreme symptoms like weakness, lack of coordination and dilated pupils than dogs.It's not known what causes toxicity in the cornstalk plant, but some experts have suggested that there may be some alkaloidal content as well as saponins, a type of glycoside with a foaming element that is found in many different plants.Dogs will not be able to digest the plant, so it is likely to make them vomit.If a large amount is eaten, it could cause more severe reactions in a small dog.
The cornstalk plant is toxic for pets.Symptoms of gastrointestinal upset in dogs can be caused by it.
Different types of cornstalk plant can have different leaves.All types can be toxic to dogs.
Cornstalk plant poisoning can be determined by a history of ingestion.If your dog is vomiting, it's a good idea to look for signs of chewing on your indoor plants.When your dog eats a non-food plant, it's a good idea to call your vet or poison helpline, especially if there are significant symptoms or if you're not sure how toxic the plant is.Be prepared to give an exact description of the plant, as well as your dog's breed and weight.Remove any plant material that is still in your dog's mouth to reduce the chance of choking, but don't induce vomiting unless recommended by a professional.
If your dog has symptoms other than mild vomiting, the vet may want to see you.If there are any signs of a more severe toxicity, a further diagnosis could include blood and urine tests.If there is a ball of undigested plant material in your dog's stomach, X-rays may be taken.
Most cornstalk plant poisoning cases won't require treatment.Your dog will vomit the indigestible material and any other toxins.Treatment is advisable if the amount is very large.The vet can help your dog excrete the material faster.If there is plant material in your dog's stomach,metic medication will be given.Reducing the absorption of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract can be done with activated charcoal.Cathartic medication helps to move plant material through the system.
Other treatments will not be pleasant.If your dog is still vomiting and there is no plant material left in the stomach, the vet may need to give you antiemetic medication.If dehydration is an issue, it is necessary to increase fluid intake or IV fluids.
If you have a cornstalk plant in your house, most dogs will recover from poisoning.These plants are easy to grow indoors since they do well with varying amounts of light, and one NASA study found they reduced the harmful effects of some indoor pollutants.Try growing other plants or grasses that are safe for dogs, either in or around your house, and train your dog to eat them instead of the cornstalk plant.The dog rarely goes to a room where the plant is located.You may need to get rid of the plant if it becomes an issue again.
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My dog ate the leaves from the crosstalk plant.She seems to have gotten it out after throwing up three times.She is resting as normal.Should we be worried?
Most cases of cornstalk plant poisoning are mild with the exception of a dog vomiting the plant and some weakness for a day or so, and large quantities may lead to more severe symptoms including incoordination.I would keep an eye on her if she vomited.Referred to by Dr Callum Turner DVM.