The Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, has grown in popularity as an ornamental plant within households in the United States. Native to Southeast Asia, all parts of the raw sago palm are highly toxic when consumed. This case describes a 1.5 year old female spayed domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that ingested pieces of sago palm leaf. The rabbit was hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluids, N-acetylcysteine, cholestyramine, vitamin K, and critical care feedings. The rabbit developed gastrointestinal signs including anorexia and absent stool production that resolved in 48 hours. Serial blood chemistries during hospitalization and two weeks after discharge were normal. Sago palm toxicosis is characterized by hepatic necrosis, cholestasis, gastrointestinal signs, and neurologic dysfunction secondary to three primary toxins with the plant: azoxyglycosides, B-methylamino-I-alanine (BMAA), and an unknown high molecular weight agent. Sago palm toxicosis has been reported in multiple domestic animal species, and the effects of the toxic metabolites have also been studied in laboratory mice to identify the mechanism of action leading to toxicosis. While sago palm toxicosis is well documented in canines and some livestock species, little information is available on management of cases in small companion mammals. This report describes successful management of sago palm toxicosis in a domestic rabbit.
555 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
United States