From Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital:
A plant known as the Sago Palm or Cycad, sold at many home improvement stores, can cause serious poisoning in pets and children.
The plant is also referred to as "the oldest known plant." It is used in outdoor landscaping in southern states, but can only survive as a houseplant in the north.
All parts of this plant, including the seeds and root ball, are toxic.
Signs of illness first appear about 12 hours after ingestion, and include gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
The toxins in the plant lead to severe liver failure with progressive weakness, jaundice, bruising and bleeding, and other signs of liver failure that can result in death.
It is estimated that 75 percent to 80 percent of animals ingesting this plant will die in spite of aggressive medical treatment.
If you have one of these plants in your home you will want to be sure to keep it away from pets and children, preferably by disposing of it safely in a covered trash can, or "rehome" it with someone who does not have pets or young children in the household.
