Careful around karaka

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (nzva) is urging pet owners to be on the lookout for highly toxic karaka berries, as the tree’s fruiting season continues this april. while signs of karaka toxicity have been recorded in humans, sheep, cattle, chickens and other species, dogs are especially sensitive to the toxin in the orange berry, as the berries contain the alkaloid karakin. Consumption of the berries in dogs can lead to respiratory failure, impaired neurological function, and even death.

nzva president Kate Hill said early treatment is best, so if you think your pet has ingested karaka berries, call your vet clinic immediately. “while karaka berries are an important food source for the kererū, they are particularly dangerous to dogs at this time of year as the berries ripen and fall from the trees.”

Signs of karaka berry toxicity in dogs can be delayed up to 48 hours following ingestion. Signs to be aware of in dogs include vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and abdominal pain; paralysis of hind limbs; loss of balance; convulsions; reduction in the dog’s breathing rate and eventually paralysis of muscles used for breathing.

dr Hill advises pet owners to be aware of where karaka trees are located; keep dogs on leads if walking in an area where karaka trees are present; to know the signs of karaka berry toxicity; and if there is concern an animal has ingested the berries, seek emergency veterinary treatment.

Turn to page 86 for more information on pet-friendly (and pet-unfriendly) plants.