Oxypetalum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1844. It contains only one known species, Oxypetalum caeruleum, native to Brazil.
The plant is known to be toxic to animals, including cats. The toxic principle is an alkaloid called oxypetaline. Symptoms of oxypetaline poisoning in cats can include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and respiratory paralysis.
If you believe that your cat has eaten an oxypetalum, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. There is no specific antidote for oxypetaline poisoning, but supportive care can help to improve the cat’s chances of survival.
Treatment for oxypetaline poisoning may include:
- Inducing vomiting to remove any remaining plant material from the stomach
- Administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxin
- Providing intravenous fluids to support the cat’s hydration and electrolyte balance
- Administering anticonvulsants to control seizures
- Providing respiratory support if necessary
The prognosis for cats who have ingested oxypetalum depends on the amount of plant material consumed and the severity of the symptoms. With prompt veterinary treatment, many cats can make a full recovery. However, it is important to note that oxypetaline poisoning can be fatal if left untreated.
The article was created by AI.
We received responses from Google Gemini to the following questions.
My cat ate an “oxypetalum”. What should I do? Answers should be in English.
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