BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Spring brings blooming gardens and colorful plants, but veterinarians warn that your favorite ornamentals could be harmful to pets and livestock.
The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is reminding residents to be aware of toxic plants commonly found in yards and pastures.
Toxic plants
The sago palm, a popular evergreen plant from the Cycadaceae family commonly used in Louisiana landscapes, is highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. All parts of the sago plant are toxic, but the seeds are the most toxic.
Common signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and the yellowing of skin or eyes. Toxins from the plant can cause severe liver damage and internal bleeding due to the disruption of blood clotting. The vet school warns 50% of affected dogs may not survive even with proper treatment…