<p>From the veterinary center of Cadaqués Es cau d'en Pinxo we want to remind you at this time of year that the Christmas plant or Ponsettia (Euphorbia Pulcherrima) is toxic to our pets. Ponsettia contains many chemical substances, but there is one that is considered responsible for the danger it poses to our pets, especially in case of ingestion: euphorbin.</p><p><br></p> <p>The ingestion of this plant causes vomiting, diarrhea and inflammation of the exposed areas (larynx, pharynx, etc.), so you can also see a significant difficulty in swallowing and in cats, a lot of salivation.</p> <p><br></p><p>This plant (both pollen and sap) is irritating, so there may be cases of irritation due to contact, both of the skin and of the mucous membranes and eyes. This is particularly important in the case of cats, as they have a certain ability to climb to the top of the tallest furniture and access the least thought of corners and wherever they go, they mark by scratching their cheek or chin against all kinds of surfaces. This gesture so typical of cats, can cause particles of the plant to damage their eyes, or cause corneal ulcers, which, if we do not realize it in time, could lead to an irreversible injury with loss of vision.</p> <p><br></p><p>In cases of ingestion, the evolution is usually favourable, especially in adult animals with the appropriate treatment. However, a nervous picture may appear in cases of intense ingestion, and we must add that in the literature there are references to fatal cases.</p><p><br></p> <p>This poisoning today cannot be treated with any antidote, but rather the aim is to prevent the intestinal absorption of the toxin and to counteract the symptoms as they appear.</p><p><br></p> <p><strong>How to act in case of possible poisoning?</strong></p> <p>The first tip is always to prevent. If you arrive home and find the wreckage, prevent the animal from continuing to ingest the toxin.</p> <p>Notify your usual veterinarian, he or she - he or she ;) - will ask you questions to assess the seriousness of the situation, and will tell you what to do during the transfer. Depending on the resources of your usual veterinary care center, they may refer you to a referral center for emergencies. If necessary, notify a friend, family member or taxi for a trip as quickly as possible.</p> <p>Finally, follow the instructions of your veterinarian on the way to the hospital. Personally, I also recommend that you always call the center where you are going to inform them of the situation, the characteristics of the pet (species, age, weight...) and the expected time of arrival, so that they can be prepared to attend to your pet. </p><p><br></p>
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