Toxic Plants

[Stefanymc]

My two rabbits ate my entire bird of paradise plant (except for the base) which is toxic. Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing happening? I know I should take them both in for iv fluids but they told me it could be up to $1000 (that’s just for one) and I don’t have that kind of money. They’re acting totally fine and it’s been around 3-4 hours.

[LBJ10]

Bird of paradise plants contain prussic acid (cyanide) and tannins. It is my understanding that most of the toxic compounds are found in the fruit/seeds, but smaller concentrations can be found in the leaves. Rabbits are strange in a way because it is difficult for them to become poisoned by plants. Rabbits eat so-called toxic plants all the time and have no ill effects. If it has been 3 or 4 hours (I’m guessing even longer by now), I imagine you would have seen signs of poisoning by now.

 

Are they still behaving normally?

 

ETA: I’m not saying it’s impossible for rabbits to become poisoned by eating a plant. I’m just saying that rabbits will often eat plants listed as being toxic and experience no ill effects.

[Stefanymc]

Okay, good to know. I’ve put out multiple bowls of water and fed them their pellets since the incident. They’ve been acting totally fine and were very excited (as usual) when I started pouring their pellets for dinner. Everything seems fine. Thanks!

[Muj Mom N Bun]

Many months ago my Bun ate pathos plant (philodendron) which are also considered toxic, I cld not get her a vet appointment until many hours later after but even by then she refused to get in the carrier and had me waving the white flag of shame and calling animal poison control and getting advice from them. Mind you, my Bun did not even eat 2 full leaves, hardly 2 full halves… they told me that given the amount of hours that had already passed (8 by that time) and the fact that she was actively still eating and drinking happily, and she was physically active and well enough to out run us all over my apartment and not get into the carrier to go to the vet she wld most likely be fine and it’s just best to continue to watch her and that she’d be in the clear after about 12 hours. But, it was a different plant, and quite less ingested. The vet that we were prepared to go to was ready to give subcutaneous fluids and charcoal to absorb the toxins and flush the system.

How are the bunnies doing now?

[achai]

Hello! So my rabbit also ate a few leaves of the birds of paradise plant. Did your bunnies end up developing any symptoms? I’m worried and I’m not sure if I should bring my pet in for a check up at the animal hospital.

[DanaNM]

Hi @achai ! I see you got some replies on this question in your thread, so I will lock this one to avoid confusion!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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