Jimson Weed

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Twitching and Convulsions Not explicitly specified in the provided sources. · Neurological signs can escalate from muscle twitching to full convulsions. Without intervention, this can progress to coma and death.
2. 2
   Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea) Not explicitly specified in the provided sources. · This is often one of the immediate physiological responses to the toxicity listed alongside cardiac issues.
3. 3
   Dilated Pupils (Mydriasis) Not explicitly specified in the provided sources. · This sign indicates the toxin's effect on the nervous system, typically associated with the plant's alkaloid properties (though the specific alkaloids are not named in this source text).
4. 4
   Rapid Pulse (Tachycardia) Not explicitly specified in the provided sources. · The plant causes significant cardiovascular stimulation.Neurological Dysfunction (Twitching and Convulsions)
5. 5
   Diarrhea Not explicitly specified in the provided sources. · While gastrointestinal distress is present, the neurological and cardiac signs are generally the primary cause for concern regarding mortality.

Important notes

Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium), also called thorn apple or devil’s trumpet, is extremely toxic to cats. Every part of the plant can be dangerous, including the leaves, seeds, flowers, and stems. The plant contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These chemicals block normal nerve signals in the body. Even a small exposure can affect the heart, brain, eyes, gut, and body temperature. Signs can include wide pupils, drooling or dry mouth, vomiting, fast heartbeat, agitation, weakness, tremors, seizures, or collapse. This is an emergency. If your cat chews or eats any part of Jimson weed, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

• Toxic compounds: tropane alkaloids — atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine; all parts toxic; spiky seed pods most concentrated
• Mechanism: competitive antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causing full anticholinergic syndrome (dry, fast, hot, blind, mad)
• Symptoms: dilated pupils (mydriasis), dry mouth, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), elevated body temperature, disorientation, agitation, hallucination-like behaviour, seizures, coma
• The seed pods are the most concentrated source and can persist on the ground for months
• Any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency — tropane alkaloid poisoning can be rapidly fatal