Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Could you give me more information on oleander?
QUESTION:
I would really like more information on Oleander
Poisoning.
ANSWER:
Oleander contains a cardiac glycoside that is lethal to most vertebrates. It
strengthens the force of heart contraction and lengthens diastole. The
symptoms are irregular heartbeat, convulsions, tremors and death. I don't know
the toxic dose for a llama, but I don't imagine it would take too many leaves to
knock it down. The lethal dose for cattle and horses is thought to be 0.005% of
body weight.For a 300 pound llama, that would be about one quarter of an ounce
of leaves a little less than an ounce for a horse big enough to carry me
comfortably. A little goes a long ways. The antibody against one of the
digitalis glycosides produced commercially for the biotech industry and used as
an antidote for foxglove poisoning also works to rescue dogs that eat
oleander.
QUESTION:
My neighbor has
recently planted oleander next to my llama pen
(intentionally).
ANSWER:
The last thing in the world I want to do is interfere in neighborly relations,
so I would suggest backing that pen away from the bush (you don't want an animal
pen near a property line anyway), or if local custom and property law allows and
the neighbor consents, trim the oleander back to the property line and landfill
the leaves. Cooperation will save llamas, horses and
bushes.