ASPCA warns pet owners about Brunfelsia poisoning

Since a gardener's Eden can quickly turn to purgatory for inquisitive pets, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) wants to remind pet parents that many plants and flowers have the potential to cause life-threatening illnesses in both dogs and cats. One such plant, and a favorite of many gardeners, is Brunfelsia, also known as "Morning, Noon, and Night" or "Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." An ornamental plant that thrives in the gardens of warmer climates, or year-round in pots, Brunfelsia has fragrant flowers that bloom in a vivid purple and gradually change to lavender before fading to white.

According to a recently-published study by Dr. Safdar Khan, veterinary toxicologist for the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, dogs seem to be particularly attracted to the plant's seeds and berries and are most susceptible to Brunfelsia poisoning. From 2001 to 2006, the Center treated 38 cases, mostly from California, involving 42 dogs. Of these cases, three dogs died as a result of ingesting the plant.

"The most commonly affected breeds are Labrador and golden retrievers," says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist and director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. "Uncommonly lively and active, these dogs can be more likely to get into the plants' seeds and leaves."

"If pets consume any part of the plant, they can become ill within hours and develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as tremors, seizures and muscle rigidity that makes the animal appear to be in a "sawhorse" stance, closely resembling the signs of ingestion of the once-common rodent poison, strychnine," says Dr. Khan. "Brunfelsia toxicity can progress very rapidly to a potentially lethal situation, so it's critical that pet parents seek immediate veterinary care."

One California-based hound dog experienced stiff limbs and excessive drooling after ingesting several seeds from the plant. After speaking with Dr. Paul Eubig, another toxicologist at the Center, the dog's owner brought the suffering canine to a local veterinarian, who provided supportive care. Another case involved a young terrier puppy in Florida who developed life-threatening seizures after consuming part of a Brunfelsia plant. With the owner availing the Center's resources, as well as the services of a local emergency veterinarian, the dog eventually made a full recovery.

"The veterinarian administered medication to treat the seizures," says Dr. Hansen. "And we're happy to report that the pup is happy and healthy today as result of his owner's immediate action."

As with any toxins, pet parents should take the necessary precautions to prevent their furry family members from coming into contact with Brunfelsia. Consider keeping the plant in an area where pets can't reach it or replace it with a non-toxic alternative.

For a list of non-toxic plants, please visit http://www.aspca.org/nontoxic.

Established in 1978, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is the only 24-hour, 365-day facility of its kind staffed by 30 veterinarians, 13 of who are board-certified general and/or veterinary toxicologists. Located in Urbana, Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners, and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances. The Center also provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects, including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting.

For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www.aspca.org/apcc