Plant
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)
Emergency. The seeds are the most toxic part and liver failure can follow rapidly.
Life-threateningDogsCats
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Go to an emergency vet immediately
- 2.Take a photograph or sample of the plant
- 3.Do not induce vomiting at home
Symptoms
- Vomiting and bloody diarrhoea
- Jaundice
- Bruising
- Seizures
- Collapse
Details
- Category
- Plant
- Toxicity
- Life-threatening
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats
- Routes of exposure
- Chewing leaves or, most dangerously, eating the seeds
- Urgency
- Emergency. The seeds are the most toxic part and liver failure can follow rapidly.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Cycasin causes acute hepatic necrosis. Aggressive early decontamination, liver support and plasma may be required.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta), report the exposure route: Chewing leaves or, most dangerously, eating the seeds. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.