Heavenly Bamboo

Symptoms reported in cats

Most serious first.

1. 1
   Seizures, Tremors, Ataxia (Incoordination), or Coma 10–60 minutes. · The brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. As cellular hypoxia sets in, the cat may suffer convulsions or collapse into a coma.
2. 2
   Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure), Arrhythmias (Irregular Heartbeat), and Sudden Collapse 10–60 minutes. · The toxin causes a drop in blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm, which often leads to sudden death before veterinary treatment can even be initiated.
3. 3
   Tachypnea (Rapid Breathing), Dyspnea (Difficulty Breathing), or Hyperventilation 10–60 minutes after ingestion. · Cyanide prevents the body's cells from utilizing oxygen (cellular hypoxia). The cat breathes rapidly in a desperate attempt to compensate for this lack of usable oxygen.
4. 4
   Bright Red Gums/Mucous Membranes 10–60 minutes. · This is a classic hallmark of cyanide poisoning. Because the cells cannot absorb oxygen from the blood, the venous blood remains oxygenated and bright red (cherry red), causing the gums to appear unusually brick red rather than pale or blue (cyanotic), although cyanosis can occur in later stages.
5. 5
   Vomiting and Diarrhea 10–60 minutes. · These are often the first signs observed. While less immediately fatal than the respiratory or cardiac effects, they indicate that the toxin has been ingested.
6. 6
   Bitter Almond" Odor on Breath Acute. · A distinct smell of bitter almonds may be detected on the cat's breath, which is a specific indicator of cyanide toxicity.

Important notes

Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) is an ornamental shrub with red berries. Despite the name, it is not true bamboo, and it is toxic to cats. The plant contains cyanogenic compounds, especially in the berries. When these compounds are broken down, they can release hydrogen cyanide, which interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. Birds and pets can be attracted to the bright berries. A cat that eats heavenly bamboo may vomit, have diarrhea, seem weak, breathe faster than normal, or collapse in severe cases. Keep berries and pruned branches away from cats. Call a veterinarian immediately if your cat eats the berries or shows weakness or breathing changes.

• Toxic compounds: cyanogenic glycosides and isoquinoline alkaloids (nantenine) throughout the plant; berries most concentrated
• Mechanism: cyanogenic compounds yield HCN on digestion, inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase and halting cellular respiration
• Symptoms: vomiting, lethargy, weakness, difficulty breathing; severe ingestion may cause convulsions and collapse
• The attractive red berries pose the greatest risk to curious cats
• Seek veterinary care promptly if berry ingestion is suspected; HCN toxicity can progress rapidly