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Is Autumn Crocus toxic to dogs and cats?

Colchicum autumnale · Colchicaceae

Yes — Autumn Crocus is toxic to pets (critical). Dogs and cats — often fatal

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Is Autumn Crocus toxic to cats?Is Autumn Crocus toxic to dogs?
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Why it is toxic

Colchicine, a mitotic inhibitor

How fast symptoms appear: Stomach signs early; organ and bone-marrow effects delayed 2–7 days

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Bloody vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shock
  • Liver and kidney failure
  • Bone-marrow suppression
What to do first
  1. Emergency vet immediately, even if your pet looks completely normal.
  2. The delayed onset is the danger — never wait and see.
  3. Note that this is not the spring crocus (Crocus spp.), which causes only mild stomach upset.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Decontamination, intravenous fluids, gastrointestinal protectants, and repeated blood counts and organ panels over several days. Transfusion may be needed if bone marrow is suppressed. Hospitalisation is expected and prognosis is guarded.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Pet Poison Helpline; Milewski & Khan, J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2006. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.