Sago Palm Poisoning

Sago palm, also known as coontie palm, cardboard palm, Japanese cycad, cycad, or Zymia, are pretty plants, but beware—they are highly toxic to dogs and cats. These evergreens enhance outdoor landscapes and are naturally occurring in warmer areas of the United States; they can be found as ornamental houseplants in other areas.

Sago palms can be purchased in many stores, ranging from small nurseries to the garden sections of large home improvement stores. Each year, Pet Poison Helpline receives hundreds of calls regarding ingestions of sago palms across the country.

What is the toxin in the sago palm?

All parts of the sago palm plant are poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic to pets. Ingestion of even a small amount of plant material can cause serious effects. The sago palm contains several toxic compounds that cause severe gastrointestinal upset, damage to the liver and, more rarely, neurologic signs.

What are the clinical signs of sago palm poisoning?

In most dogs and cats, gastrointestinal upset and lethargy are the first signs noted. Onset is within 15 minutes to several hours following ingestion. Increased liver enzymes or liver failure may take up to 48–72 hours and can last for days to weeks.

Pets with liver damage may have dark urine, yellow coloration of the eyes or skin (icterus), enlarged abdomen, increased drinking and urination, or discolored feces. Liver failure may cause low blood glucose levels and decreased blood clotting ability, resulting in bleeding.

Less common signs include weakness, wobbly gait, tremors, or seizures. Pets with liver damage may have dark urine, yellow coloration of the eyes or skin (icterus), an enlarged abdomen, increased drinking and urination or discolored feces. Liver failure may cause low blood glucose levels and decreased blood clotting ability, resulting in bleeding both externally (nose bleeds, blood in the urine or stool) and internally. If these clinical signs are not recognized and treated, liver failure or death may occur. 

How is sago palm poisoning diagnosed?

There is no test to confirm sago palm toxicosis. Diagnosis is based on a history of ingested plant; plant remnants in vomit or feces; or suspicion of ingestion due to clinical signs of sago palm toxicosis along with a destroyed plant. Bloodwork may show signs of dehydration (from related GI signs), elevated liver enzymes, or signs consistent with a clotting abnormality.

If you believe your pet has ingested sago palm, it is important to immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680, to have the risk of poisoning assessed.

What is the treatment for sago palm poisoning?

Initial treatment includes decontamination, medication to support the liver, and symptomatic and supportive care. Bloodwork is essential for monitoring liver enzymes and response to treatment. If liver damage occurs, more intensive therapy is needed. Liver damage/failure increases the risk of long-term effects or even death. Early decontamination and treatment decrease the risk of serious effects.

What is the prognosis?

Prognosis is generally fair with early diagnosis and treatment. If there is a delay in treatment and the patient develops clinical signs, many animals still survive but may need prolonged support for liver damage. Sadly, some patients die from sago palm poisoning.  

How can I prevent sago palm poisoning?

The only way to prevent sago palm poisoning is to prevent exposure. If these plants are in your house or yard, make sure your pets do not have access to them.

Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.