Lantana Poisoning in Dogs

Lantana poisoning in dogs is common in the southwestern United States in places where it is allowed to grow wild. The toxic ingredient in lantana is a triterpenoid, which is extremely toxic and dangerous to your dog as well as other animals and children, if consumed. Triterpenoid can damage your dog’s hepatic system (gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver). While the entire plant of the lantana is poisonous, the berries are the most toxic. Not all lantana plants have berries, but those that do are dark blue (almost black) and very small (1/4 inch) that are grouped in small clusters. Some believe that the berries are safe if they are completely ripe, but scientists have proven that all berries from the lantana can be fatal.

Although lantana originated in Central America, it can now be found in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In these states, reports of lantana poisoning are common in areas where the plant grows wild. Lantana of the Verbenaceae family is a beautiful flowering plant that may be yellow, orange, red, purple or white. Some lantana produce blue-black berries, which are the most toxic part of the plant. Unfortunately, the mortality rate is high in the more serious cases. If you think your dog may have eaten any part of a lantana plant, see a veterinary medical professional immediately even if you have not noticed any symptoms, as this is a life-threatening emergency.

The initial symptoms of lantana poisoning, weakness and appetite loss, are evident within the first 24 hours of consumption. More serious symptoms will begin to develop over the next several days, such as bloody diarrhea, paralysis, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) from damage to the liver. The symptoms of lantana poisoning vary depending on how much your dog ate, what part of the plant was consumed, and what kind of lantana it is. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Depression
• Frequent urination
• Inability to move (paralysis)
• Loss of appetite
• Liver failure (dark urine, weakness, yellowing of the skin and eyes - jaundice)
• Sensitivity to the sun (photosensitization)
• Shock
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Vomiting
• Death

 Types

Lantana (lantana camara) is in the Verbenaceae family in the order of the lamiales. Some of the other common names for lantana are red sage, wild sage, yellow sage, shrub verbena, and viburnum lantana. Lantana can grow to over six feet tall, but they are most commonly about three to four feet on average. There are approximately 150 types of lantana, but the most common in the United States are:

• Lantana camara
• Lantana depressa
• Lantana hirsuta
• Lantana horrida
• Lantana splendens
• Lantana strigocamara
• Lantana montevidensis

The cause of lantana poisoning is consuming a toxic amount of lantana. The toxic components of lantana are:

• Pentacyclic triterpenoids (Lantadene A, Lantadene B)
• Pentacyclic triterpene acids (Icterogenin, Dihydrolantadene A, reduced lantadene)

If you can, bring a portion of the lantana plant with you to the veterinarian so they can determine which type it is because some are more toxic than others. This will help the veterinarian get a definitive diagnosis and decide on a treatment plan. During the physical examination, the veterinarian will check your dog’s reflexes, weight, height, body temperature, breath sounds, blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate. Tell the veterinarian all of the details about the incident, like how much and what part of the plant your dog ate. You should also have your dog’s health history and vaccination records, and should mention if you have noticed any unusual behavior or appetite changes.

Some tests that will be performed are a biochemical profile, complete blood count and urinalysis. The blood tests will show an increase in bilirubin and the hepatic enzymes AST and SDH. Imaging done with x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound may also be necessary. To determine if your dog is dehydrated, a packed cell volume (PCV) test should be done as well.

An effective treatment usually consists of providing IV fluids and electrolytes, an activated charcoal meal to absorb the toxins and possible a gastric lavage to empty the stomach.  There may be supportive treatments required for any complications, such as inflammation of the liver or kidney damage. Hospitalization may be necessary in serious cases.

Chances for your dog’s recovery are good if treated quickly. Once your dog is allowed to go home, continue the medication and limit the amount of sunlight they are exposed to due to potential photosensitivity. Unfortunately, if treatment is not done before liver damage occurs your dog’s chances are poor. Be sure to remove all lantana from your property wherever your dog is allowed to go and call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

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