The Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, is one of the oldest species of plants that exist. Today they are very popular landscaping components in tropical and subtropical regions.

Sago palm ingestion is one of the commonly encountered toxicities in veterinary medicine. It is also one of the easiest toxicities to prevent.  Sago palm plants contain a by-product called cycasin which causes serious liver and intestinal disease. All parts of the Sago palm plant are poisonous though the seeds contain the highest concentration of toxic component.  Within 12 hours of ingestion (plant and/or seeds), animals will experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Within 3 days, animals are very sick and face complications of liver injury leading to liver failure, jaundice (yellow tint to skin and eye-whites), and bleeding disorders.  Some patients may also show incoordination and seizures.  The plant is so poisonous that immediate consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.  Bloodwork is used to monitor the liver and blood systems closely. Treatments for ingestion will include attempts at detoxification with activated charcoal, liver supportive medications, IV fluids for dehydration, and blood transfusions.  Due to development of life threatening liver dysfunction, many pets do not survive.

The best way to prevent Sago palm poisoning of your pet is to avoid having your pet around the plant at all!  If your pet is suspected to have ingested any Sago Palm plant or seed, see your family veterinarian or an emergency clinic as soon as possible. If diagnosed early, your pet’s chance of survival is better if treatments can be started right away.

Jennifer Hennessey, DVM