Thread: Don't eat the berries!!

Originally Posted by Pengy

Does anyone know the likely effects of a dog ingesting a few berries ?
I have a tree full of fruit that partly overhangs the kennel.

TUTU
Botanical name: Coriaria

Status: all 10 species in NZ are very poisonous

Which parts are toxic: leaves, seeds and pollen but consider all parts toxic

About Tutu: species range from 50cm high shrub to straggly-looking tree up to 6m high, shiny green leaves and green flowers (September-March), long, hanging catkins, purple-black berries.
Found: in bush remnants, scrub, modified habitat from lowlands to mountains

Animals affected: all animals, and people

Symptoms: drooling, nausea, high state of nervousness/excitement, convulsions, exhaustion, death. The Lincoln Animal Health Laboratory* also report a “dummy” syndrome where sheep have been found standing still, reluctant to move and appearing to be blind with a rapid breath rate. These animals died within hours.
*Plant Poisoning in NZ, SciQuest

Treatment: medication can help in some cases


Which NZ native plant is the most toxic?
Tutu, which contains a poison called tutin which has powerful convulsant effects on animals and people.

Is it poisonous?
If you aren’t sure whether a plant or chemical is toxic and your animal (livestock, pet) has just eaten it, you are allowed to ring the National Poisons Centre free on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766). While their priority is the treatment of people, if they are not busy they are more than happy to help out with queries regarding animals.

When to call the vet
Immediately if you even suspect poisoning. Some livestock can be given supportive care, others will need to be euthanized.

2 natives that you don’t want to mess with - thisNZlife