Cycas revoluta intoxication in a canine puppy

Hepatic and neurological manifestations

Abstract

Cycas revoluta (sago palm) is a popular ornamental plant in Brazil. All parts of the plant are toxic and capable of inducing hepatic, neurological, and gastrointestinal lesions. This report describes a case of Cycas revoluta intoxication in a 7-month-old male German Spitz puppy presented to a veterinary clinic with a history of approximately four months of chronic vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, and seizures following the introduction of the plant to the household garden. On physical examination, the animal exhibited pale mucous membranes, a body condition score of 3 (1–9), lethargy, abdominal pain, and ascites. Laboratory testing revealed normocytic hypochromic anemia and altered liver biomarkers. A contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan was performed to investigate a suspected portosystemic shunt, which was ruled out. The scan revealed a subjectively small liver with mildly irregular margins, suggesting chronic hepatopathy with microhepatia, alongside findings compatible with gastropathy, marked abdominal effusion, and right renal infarctions. The progression from gastrointestinal signs to neurological manifestations and ascites was consistent with the mechanism of action of the toxins cycasin and β-methylamino-L-alanine. The diagnosis of Cycas revoluta intoxication was established based on the history, clinical signs, presence of the plant in the environment, and laboratory and imaging findings. This case highlights the initial diagnostic challenge due to the non-specificity of signs, and reinforces the importance of a detailed anamnesis, the inclusion of toxicities in the differential diagnosis of hepatopathies, and preventive guidance to pet owners regarding the risks of toxic plants.