VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

RED SQUILL
(Urginea maritima)

• Red squill contains a cardiac glycoside.
• It is unpalatable to domestic animals and induces vomiting when eaten. Since rodents do not vomit, they exhibit toxicity.
• It is considered relatively safe, but dogs, cats and pigs have been poisoned.
• Symptoms include vomiting, ataxia, hyperaesthesia followed by paralysis, depression and convulsions.
• Bradycardia and cardiac arrhythmia leading to cardiac arrest are also noticed.
• Treatment includes supportive therapy, gastric lavage, cathartics, atropine and phenytoin.