Charming dieffenbachia is also known as Spotted Dumb Cane, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Snow, and Dieffenbachia. It is a common houseplant but is found to contain insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes which are hazardous for some animals including cats. Consuming charming dieffenbachia may cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting in felines.
What Is Charming Dieffenbachia?
Charming dieffenbachia or scientifically known as dieffenbachia amoena is a beautiful monocot that is widely used as a houseplant. The huge variegated leaves have cream and yellow streaks and appear in a range of styles that make charming dieffenbachias stunning as indoor foliage.
This genus from the plant family of Araceae is native to the tropics of Mexico and Argentina but nowadays it is popularly cultivated as an ornamental plant in most parts of the world with temperamental climates.
Clinical Signs of Charming Dieffenbachia Poisoning in Cats
Symptoms of dieffenbachia poisoning may appear immediately after the cat ingested a part of the plant or may take a few hours. If your cat is manifesting the following signs below, take him or her to the veterinarian right away.
First Aid and Treatment of Charming Dieffenbachia Poisoning in Cats
The veterinarian will initially remove the toxins from your cat’s body primarily by flushing out any plant residue in your cat’s mouth. Your cat will undergo physical and laboratory tests to make sure that his or her symptoms will not worsen. The vet may also administer medications as needed to ease your cat’s symptoms.
If a huge amount of dieffenbachia has been ingested by your cat, it is possible that he or she will suffer from difficulty in breathing. If this is the case, the vet will give your cat supplementary oxygen until your cat’s breathing stabilizes. For severe breathing conditions, your cat may be needed to be intubated until the edema in his or her airway subsides.
Recovery from Charming Dieffenbachia Poisoning in Cats
As long as your cat was taken to the vet immediately and there are no other health complications, your cat will fully recuperate quickly. Let your cat rest as he or she may still be distressed from the poisoning incident. Make sure to stick with the post-treatment advice that the veterinarian recommended.
Prevention of Charming Dieffenbachia Poisoning in Cats
Charming dieffenbachias are not recommended for growing in households with cats or other small animals. To keep your cat from becoming poisoned, get rid of this and other dangerous plants. Keep your cat as safe as possible indoors to reduce the chance of exposure to other harmful plants outside.
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