Karaka berry toxicity in dogs
A happy ending to a potentially lethal story
Lulu the 4-month-old black labrador puppy recently survived karaka berry poisoning due to the quick thinking of her owner , Kayla Cumiskey , and a timely Facebook post .
The pair were staying with a friend on Auckland ’ s North Shore when Lulu came inside with a paste-like substance around her mouth and a cracked kernel husk . A day earlier , Kayla had been tagged in a Facebook post about the dangers of karaka berries . Thinking she may have seen overhanging branches of a karaka tree in her friend ’ s backyard she went outside to investigate and found it was so . Lulu began vomiting , so Kayla rushed her to the emergency vet where she was made to vomit further , placed on a fluid drip and given activated charcoal . By morning Lulu ’ s condition had improved and so she was able to go home . Other dogs around New Zealand have not been so lucky .
Last summer , vets reported an alarming rise in the number of cases of dogs being poisoned by karaka berries , including multiple deaths . There is no antidote for the toxin so the only treatment is hospitalisation to provide supportive care for the symptoms and use of activated charcoal to absorb the toxins . The karaka berry is a major source of food for the wood pigeon , so it is easy for pet owners to assume that it is safe .
However , it is very toxic for dogs and other animals , and initial signs of consumption include vomiting , diarrhoea and pacing , followed by neurological problems such as limb stiffness , weakness , paralysis and seizures , often leading to death .
Karaka trees are widespread in the North Island and top of the South Island . They produce a fruit during the months of January to April , which turns from green to orange when ripe and contains the alkaloid poison karakin within its kernel . The poison levels are variable and can remain active within the fruit for long periods of time after it has dropped from the tree and turned black .
For reasons unknown , the toxicity levels seem to be much higher this year . As dogs are opportunistic foragers by nature , vets are warning that they should be kept on leads when being walked in areas with karaka trees .
Dr Graeme Ashby from Vets North Kumeu says : “ Humans and dogs are particularly sensitive to karaka berry toxins and bees can be poisoned by the blossom . Pigs and cattle , however , seem to be relatively impervious to the toxins . If you see your dog eat some berries and / or seeds , contact your vet as soon as possible .”
As for Kayla , she ’ s now extra vigilant when walking Lulu , especially around Devonport where the trees are prevalent .
Michelle Irwin
Lulu the lab
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