Brunfelsia Poisoning

What is Brunfelsia poisoning and is it common?

Brunfelsia poisoning is caused by the toxin from a plant commonly referred to as “yesterday, today, tomorrow”. Other names for the plant include “kiss me quick” and “morning, noon and night”. The names are given due to the most striking feature of the plant which is that the flowers change colour from violet to lilac to white over several days.

The plant’s toxin causes various signs. Although the plant is originally native to South America, the plant has become very popular. Brunfelsia poisoning is very common in certain areas, especially in the warmer regions. The plant grows 2-4 metres tall and all species have sweet smelling tubular flowers. The toxic substance is found in all parts of the plant but especially in the berries. The toxin is related to the Solanaceae or deadly nightshade family of toxins.

What are the signs of Brunfelsia poisoning?

The toxin is an alkaloid toxin and can cause severe clinical signs. Signs of poisoning include an increased body temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, wobbliness and seizuring. Occasionally other signs can also be seen such as drooling, coughing, and gagging. Unfortunately unless prompt attention is given to your pet, the poisoning can be fatal.  

What can I do?

The safest action is to contact your veterinarian for advice. If the dog is showing any signs it is best to make an appointment to see your veterinarian. If you unsure of whether you have any Brunfelsia plants around, it may be a good idea to bring along any suspicious plant material.

"If the dog is showing any signs it is best to make an appointment to see your veterinarian. If you unsure of whether you have any Brunfelsia plants around, it may be a good idea to bring along any suspicious plant material."

What can the veterinarian do?

On arrival the veterinarian will assess your pet. Your veterinarian will usually make your pet vomit up the poisonous plant and, depending on the severity of the signs, may also give your pet an anaesthetic and administer an enema to remove the poisonous berries. This can also to help to confirm the cause of the suspected poisoning. If seizuring is occurring, your veterinarian may give a sedative such as valium or anti-convulsives. the veterinarian may also choose to keep you pet anaesthetized for as long as necessary until the toxin has been excreted. Intravenous fluids may also be given to help with excretion of the poison. Your pet is likely to require hospitalisation for as long as necessary until they can walk and eat again without risk.

What can I do to prevent Brunfelsia poisoning?

Your veterinarian will discuss these options with you. As lovely a plant it is, the safest way to prevent poisoning may be simply to remove the offending plants. Dogs being dogs are especially prone to ingesting the plant material.

Is there anything else I need to know?

There are many other causes of the signs that this plant's poison can cause and whilst it is important to be aware of this poison, your veterinarian will assess the various other causes of these signs and the likelihood of this plant being responsible.