Lily of the valley, a toxic plant
From its botanical name Convallaria majalis, lily of the valley belongs to the Liliaceae family. Despite its reputation as a “lucky charm” for May 1st and its pleasant fragrance, lily of the valley is a plant that contains substances that are dangerously toxic for our pets.
Among these toxic substances, there are saponosides, substances that irritate the digestive tract, as well as glycosides that are toxic to the heart.
All parts of the plant are toxic by ingestion: berries, leaves and stems included. The toxic substances are also present in the dried plant as well as in the water of the vase. So don't let your pet drink this water!
We do not know precisely the toxic dose of thrush but in a small animal, the ingestion of a single strand can cause problems. If your pet has swallowed a large quantity of any part of the plant, you must contact the nearest veterinary center urgently.
What are the symptoms of thrush poisoning?
The first signs of thrush poisoning usually begin between a quarter of an hour and 6 hours after ingesting the plant.
They are primarily digestive and are characterized by:
- repeated vomiting,
- hypersalivation,
- diarrhea sometimes containing blood and sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain.
Digestive symptoms are followed within hours by nervous disorders such as tremors, convulsions or uncoordinated movements. As a general rule, the animal ends up prostrate, lying on its side.
Heart rhythm disorders usually appear last, after digestive and nervous disorders. They can only be revealed on auscultation by a veterinarian.
An increase in the volume of urine can also sometimes be observed.
Young or very old animals are more likely to show severe symptoms.
Without veterinary care, thrush poisoning can be fatal.
How do I react if my pet is poisoned by lily of the valley?
If your animal has consumed any part of the plant, you must contact the nearest veterinarian urgently who will tell you what to do. Note, if you can, the time of ingestion of the plant and try to quantify the dose ingested to be able to communicate this information to the veterinarian. While waiting for specialist instructions, do not give your dog anything to eat or drink and do not try to make him vomit.
In case of poisoning of your animal, it is also possible to contact a veterinary poison control center among:
- the Lyon CNITV: 04.78.87.10.40 - reachable 24/7 all year round,
- the CAPAE of Nantes: 02.40.68.77.40 - reachable 24 hours a day all year round,
- the Toulouse CAPAT: 05.61.19.39.40 - reachable from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every working day,
- the CNITV of Alfort: 01.48.93.13. 00- reachable from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on working days.