Known as: Dieffenbachia, Dumb Cane, Gold Dieffenbacchia, Drunk
Cane, Mother-In-Law's Tongue, Snake Plant
Latin Name: Dieffenbachia family
Description: Commonly grown foliage houseplant. Can grow
up to 6 feet tall and will have a thick stem scarred where leaves have
dropped off. Leaves are large, ovate, single blades with a strong
central vein and a number of secondary veins running from the main vein
to the edge of the leaf. Leaves have irregular areas of splotches
of lighter green, yellow or cream.
Poisonous Parts: All parts. Leaves and stem contain needle-shaped
crystals of calcium oxalate. Moderate toxicity. Pets rarely ingest
enough to cause serious problems or death.
Symptoms: Oral, pharyngeal and esophogal irritant.
Salivation and edema (swelling). Quick acting poison. Symptoms
occur within seconds of eating the plant. The cat will begin to suffer
severe abdominal pain and start rolling around on the floor, salivating
foam. Causes irritation of the mouth, laryngitis, and temporary paralysis
of the vocal cords when eaten. Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea. swelling around
the mouth, swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing. Can
be fatal.
Treatment: Unless your cat is unconscious or having convulsions,
induce vomiting. Wrap the cat in a towel
to keep it from thrashing about and induce vomiting as quickly as possible.
Get immediate veterinary assistance.