PAWS Magazine 2020 - Flipbook - Page 21
by: Bob Lukas, DVM
ER/CCU Doctor – SAGE Dublin
Toxic Beauty: Brunfelsia Sickens
Several Tri-Valley Dogs
It’s a lovely evergreen shrub that has found its way from South and
Central America to gardens across the Bay Area. Brunfelsia is beautiful, but it can be deadly to pets, especially dogs, who are drawn to its
berries and seeds. Another factor that makes it dangerous is lack of
knowledge – many veterinarians, even those who have worked in
emergency rooms for years, have never seen a case of Brunfelsia
poisoning.
SAGE Dublin Emergency veterinarians have treated several dogs
over the last few weeks who have snacked on Brunfelsia berries and
leaves and fallen seriously ill. One dog stayed at SAGE Dublin for
more than a week, and is now on themend. Oddly, the dog had lived
among the shrub for years and had never shown any interest in it.
Until, of course, his parents were out of town on vacation and he likely
got bored!
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