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Maidens Breath
Plant Name:
Maidens Breath
Scientific Name:
Gypsophila elegans
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Toxins:
Saponins (Unknown irritant)
Poisoning Symptoms:
Gastrointestinal Upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Additional Information:
Gypsophila elegans (Baby's-breath) is an herbaceous flowering annual of the genus Gypsophila, in the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant is native to Asia and Europe, but can now be found growing sporadically throughout the United States. This is thought to be the result of its frequent inclusion into mixtures of “wildflower” seeds used for roadside planting and other revegetation projects. Although not typically grown as a houseplant, it is a popular addition to many floral arrangements.
Within the Caryophyllaceae four genera contain steroidal saponins that are glycosides of pentacyclic oleananes. As a result they have been known to cause potentially serious intoxication problems in animals. Gypsogenin (githagenin) is the toxin typical of the family. Gypsophila, however, has not been shown to contain gypsogenin and is not considered to be part of the toxic four. It does contain unknown irritant saponins that have demonstrated the ability to cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset in animals that ingest a sufficient quantity of the plant. Additionally the sap of gypsophila elegans has shown the ability to cause contact dermatitis in certain individuals. As a result ingestion of this plant by a pet should be considered unhealthy, and perhaps mildly toxic, but not life threatening.
First Aid:
In most cases of gypsophila elegans ingestion treatment can generally be managed at home. Upon finding out that your pet may have ingested the plant the mouth should be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water to remove any uneaten plant material. Vomiting may then be induced to purge any plant material from the stomach. This can be accomplished by giving an emetic such as 3% hydrogen peroxide orally at a dose rate of 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. After vomiting, the mouth should again be rinsed and flushed thoroughly with water to remove any potentially toxic or irritant vomitus. In the vast majority of cases the pet will make a full recovery within 4 to 24 hours of ingestion.
In cases where the pet is experiencing more severe gastrointestinal upset, persistent vomiting, and diarrhea, they should be monitored carefully for signs of dehydration and provided fluid therapy if needed. While not practical in a home or field setting gastric lavage and the administration of activated medical charcoal will help to both purge and neutralize the toxin. As the charcoal passes through the digestive system, toxins are trapped in the charcoal so that when the charcoal passes from the patient, the toxins are expelled as well. In the event your pet is suffering an irritant reaction where there is obvious oral swelling it may be advisable to give the pet an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This will help to reduce/prevent swelling, discomfort and avoid potential blockages of the airway related to the body’s inflammatory response. Typical dose rates are 2 to 4mg/kg by mouth or intramuscularly every 8 hours as needed.
To alleviate the gastrointestinal upset Kapectolin may be given at a dose rate of 1 to 2 ml/kg four times a day. Kapectolin provides a coating action that protects the stomach lining. Sucralfate may also be used for gastrointestinal irritation as it reacts with the acids in the stomach to form a paste-like material capable of acting as a barrier between the stomach and its contents. Sucralfate is typically given to dogs weighing more the 60lbs: 1g every 6 to 8 hours; for dogs under 60 lbs: 0.5g every 6 to 8 hours; Cats: 0.25g every 8 to 12 hours to reduce irritation of the stomach and intestines.
If the airway becomes blocked due to swelling the pet should be kept under observation at a veterinary office until the swelling abates and the animal is breathing normally. Prevent further ingestion of the plant and consult a veterinarian.
Species Affected:
Toxic To Dogs
Toxic To Cats
Toxic To Horses
