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Plant poisoning: hallucinogenic toxins
Introduction
- Hallucinogenic toxins are found in a number of plants. Domestic dogs could be exposed to:
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans).
- Morning glory (Ipomeaspecies).
- Deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna).
- Jimson weed, Angels trumpet or moonflower (Daturaspecies).
- Mescal bean, frijolito, Eves necklace (Sophoraspecies).
- Goldenchain tree (Laburnum anagyroides Laburnum anagyroides ).
- Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger).
- Peyote, mescal, mescal buttons (Lophophora williamsii).
- Cannabis sativa Cannabis poisoning (marijuana) appears to cause hallucinations in dogs.
- Reports of toxicities are uncommon in dogs, except for marijuana.
Presenting signs
- Bizarre behavior, excitement, stuporous.
Public health considerations
- These plants may also cause hallucinations or delirium in humans.
Cost considerations
- Treatment cost is generally moderate.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Nutmeg: myristicin, elemicin and safrole.
- Morning glory: lysergic acid.
- Deadly nightshade,Daturaspecies, and henbane (Hyoscyamus): belladonna alkaloids including atropine, hyoscamine, and hyoscine.
- Sophoraspecies and goldenchain (Laburnum): cytisine.
- Peyote: mescaline and other alkaloids.
- Cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol.
Predisposing factors
General- Puppies might be more susceptible due to their inquisitive natures.
- Owners who use illicit drugs sometimes deliberately feed them to pets.
- Abusers ofDaturaorCannabisspecies may derive other products such as moonflower tea fromDatura, or hashish fromCannabis, which animals may drink or eat.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
-
Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Plumlee Konnie H (editor) (2004) Clinical Veterinary Toxicology. Mosby.
- Peterson & Talcott (editors) (2001) Small Animal Toxicology. Saunders.
- Osweiler Gary D (1996) Toxicology. Williams and Wilkins.
- Turner & Szczawinski (1991) Common Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North America. Timber Press.
Organisation(s)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control, telephone (888) 426-4435.
- Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS); www.vpisglobal.com, telephone + 44 (0) 2073 055 055.