Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning can be a problem for your pets. Small mammals such as mice, hamsters, and gerbils can be easily poisoned if they are exposed to holly, mistletoe, and ivy. All three of these plants contain substances that can be toxic to small animals when ingested.
Holly contains saponins which can cause irritation to the mouth, stomach, and intestines of a small mammal resulting in uncomfortable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia.
Mistletoe contains phoratoxin which can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by a small mammal leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ivy contains calcium oxalate crystals that are extremely toxic to small mammals causing burning and swelling of the mouth and throat as well as difficulty breathing when ingested.
It’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your small mammals do not come into contact with any of these plants. If you believe that your small mammal has been poisoned, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to suggest treatment to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Symptoms of Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Mouth and throat burning and swelling
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosing Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning
If you think that your small mammal has been poisoned by holly, mistletoe, or ivy, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the poisoning by first performing a physical examination of your pet and then taking a detailed history of the incident. They could also order blood work and/or other tests to determine the extent of the poisoning.
Stages of Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning
Acute Poisoning Stage:
During this stage, the small mammal will begin to have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable for your pet and it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
Progression of Symptoms Stage:
If left untreated, your pet’s symptoms can worsen leading to more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty breathing, and burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.
Recovery Stage:
With prompt medical treatment, your pet should be able to make a full recovery. Your veterinarian should prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms as well as supportive care such as IV fluids and nutrition therapy. It’s important to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions to ensure a full recovery.
Treating Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning
It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible if you think that your small mammal has been poisoned by holly, mistletoe, or ivy. Your veterinarian will be able to provide treatment to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage. Treatment can include medications such as anti-nausea drugs or antibiotics, IV fluids, and nutrition therapy. It’s important to follow all of your veterinarian’s instructions in order to ensure a full recovery.
Preventing Small Mammal Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy Poisoning
To keep your small mammal from becoming poisoned by holly, mistletoe, or ivy, it’s important to keep these plants out of their reach. Store any plants that you have in an area that is inaccessible to your pet and make sure to not leave any pieces of the plant laying around where they can get to them.
It’s important to regularly inspect your pet for any signs of poisoning and get medical attention as soon as possible if you believe that they have been poisoned.