A woman has taken to Facebook to reveal how her French Bulldog died in her arms after eating common houseplant – sago palm.
The sago palm, naturally found in tropical environments but recently popularised as bonsai-style houseplants, is highly toxic to both cats and dogs due to containing cycasin, an agent that can cause severe liver failure.
According to Kate Wagner, her dog ate some leaves from a sago palm – also known as a cycas revoluta plant and cardboard palm – and ended up at the emergency ward. After days of using a feeding tube, spending hundreds of dollars on expensive treatment, and a strict medication schedule, the dog Lily finally died in Kate’s arms on Saturday 16 May.
Kate Wagner took to Facebook to warn other dog owners about the dangers of a common houseplant: ‘Alright folks, this is going to be a very difficult story to tell, but I feel compelled to share this information. This past week has been an extremely difficult journey for us.
‘Our sweet baby Lily got into one of my houseplants and ended up fighting for her life at the emergency vet for nearly a week. She is now home with a feeding tube and a medication schedule that spans from 7 AM until 12 AM daily. There have been many tears shed, dollars spent, and guilt felt… all because of a $5 plant. ‘I’d like to spread the word about this houseplant because I had no idea when I purchased it from a big box garden center last summer that this little 6-inch plant would become my nightmare. ‘The Sago Palm is a common house plant and landscaping plant native to tropical regions
‘All parts of the plants are extremely toxic to humans and animals causing liver failure and death from even minimal exposure. All parts includes the trunk, roots, leaves, and small berry-like seeds that can develop on mature plants.
After the Facebook post gathered 240,000 shares, Kate updated her followers that Lily had died.
‘On Saturday, May 16, Lily passed away in our arms,’ wrote Kate. ‘She fought hard, loved hard, and gave us a couple butt wiggles just before she just couldn’t fight any longer. ‘We loved her so very much and gave her all the love and care in the weeks since the incident we could possibly give. We are truly devastated. ‘If you are a houseplant lover, please research your house plants prior to purchasing.
‘Even if you think the house plant is in a secure location, mischievous little paws may still get into trouble. ‘Feel free to share this story. You may just save a life.’’
