Lace Fern Poisoning in Dogs

The symptoms depend on which part and how much your dog consumed. If your dog ate any flowers or berries, it is vital that you go to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away. Some of the most often reported symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
• Appetite loss
• Blood in urine
• Bloody diarrhea
• Convulsions
• Death  
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Gastroenteritis
• Listlessness
• Liver inflammation
• Paralysis
• Respiratory failure
• Rough coat
• Seizures
• Ulcerative gastritis
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

 Types

The lace fern (Asparagus setaceus) is from the family Asparagaceae and order of asparagales of the genus asparagus. There are many different types and nicknames of the lace fern:

• Asparagus
• Asparagus fern
• Climbing asparagus
• Ferny asparagus
• Plumosa fern
• Racemose asparagus
• Shatavari
• Sprengeri fern

Try to bring a piece of the plant with you so your veterinarian can find out what plant has been eaten to hasten the diagnosis. The sooner the diagnosis, the faster the treatment can be started. Early treatment is important in lace fern poisoning because the sapogenins can be absorbed into the bloodstream faster than other toxins. Your veterinarian will start IV fluids for your dog to stop dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. If necessary, your dog will get oxygen therapy as well by insertion of a tube through your dog’s nose. Explain to your veterinarian exactly what you know about what happened, how much and what parts of the lace fern your dog ate, and whether any symptoms have been seen. It helps to tell the veterinarian your dog’s age, breed, previous illnesses or injuries, and any strange behavior or appetite.

Next, your veterinarian will do a complete physical examination of your dog including general appearance, weight, body temperature, reflexes, heart rate, lung sounds, respirations, blood pressure, and an inspection of the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth. Some laboratory tests will be performed, including a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panel, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, blood gases, and electrolyte levels. Radiographs (x-rays) will also be done to get a good view your dog’s intestinal tract and stomach. Additionally, an ultrasound may be done to check the size of the kidneys and evaluate any damage. In some cases, your veterinarian may use a CT scan or MRI to get a more detailed look of the kidneys or other internal organs.