Nothing found. Try the Latin name or the product name.
Search
Nothing found. Try the Latin name or the product name.
Sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
cycad, Cycas
A professional reference for veterinary specialists. It does not replace clinical judgement.
Species and toxic dose
| Species | Risk | Toxic dose |
|---|---|---|
| Dog | Especially sensitive | 1-2 seeds can be fatal. Reference book A veterinary reference written and reviewed by specialists, summarising accepted practice. The product label gives the authorised dose. |
| Cat | Toxic | Not established in the open sources |
Toxic principle
Cycasin (converted by gut bacteria to methylazoxymethanol), the amino acid BMAA and an unidentified high-molecular-weight compound; seeds hold the most.
Onset
Digestive signs within about 4 hours (4-24 hours); liver injury at 1-3 days.
Clinical signs
Vomiting, haematemesis, melaena, bloody diarrhoea; icterus, petechiae and bruising, coagulopathy; hypoglycaemia, tremors, ataxia, seizures. Raised ALT and ALP, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia.
Organs affected
Liver, digestive tract, central nervous system, coagulation.
Treatment principle (for veterinarians)
Decontamination with activated charcoal, supportive care, liver support (N-acetylcysteine, vitamin K1), anticonvulsants as needed. Survival 36-50% in two retrospective studies; a low albumin or platelet count predicts death.
A summary of the principles in the sources, not a protocol: doses and the plan are the treating veterinarian's decision.
Sources
- Reference book. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and non-toxic plants: sago palm. aspca.org
- Scientific article. Maeso C, et al. Presumptive cycad toxicosis in a dog: a case report. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7:468 2020
- Scientific article. Bertero A, Fossati P, Caloni F. Indoor companion animal poisoning by plants in Europe. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7:487 2020
- Scientific article. Nagy AL, et al. Emerging plant intoxications in domestic animals: a European perspective. Toxins 15(7):442 2023
- Scientific article. Khan SA. Differential diagnosis of common acute toxicologic versus nontoxicologic illness. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 48(6):1069-1079 2018
Professional reference for veterinary professionals. Not advertising and not a substitute for the product label/SPC.
For veterinary professionals only. It does not replace clinical judgement or the product label; check the dose in the official label (SPC). vetman is not liable for harm caused by using this information.
Trademarks belong to their owners; vetman is not affiliated with the manufacturers and receives no payment from them.
The database is protected under Chapter VII of the Law of Georgia on Copyright and Related Rights; automated or bulk copying is prohibited.
This reference is still growing. Missing a product? Let us know. · Report an error or request an addition · Updated: 22 Oct 2026