Dog loses vision after being poisoned by plants in the pet area of ​​a bakery in SP

A 1.5-year-old Border Collie suffered severe poisoning and temporarily lost his vision after visiting the pet area of ​​the Bossa Bakery bakery and restaurant, in Morumbi, south of São Paulo.

The dog, named Pingo, had a seizure shortly after the walk and had to be admitted to the veterinary ICU for six days.

Seizures and loss of vision

The owner, Bruna Brunetta, told CNN that she went to the location accompanied by her boyfriend, friends and the dog.

After the meal, Pingo began to feel unwell and was rushed to the veterinary hospital, where doctors confirmed the poisoning and temporary loss of vision.

Bruna's boyfriend returned to the bakery and spoke to one of the partners, who directed him to the manager.

She presented the landscaping project for the area, which included four types of plants that can be harmful to dogs' health:

• Strelitzia
• Clusia
• Philodendron
• Monstera

According to a veterinary report, these species can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, tremors, convulsions and even the formation of calcium oxalate.

Furthermore, the owner states that the use of fly poison on the plants was confirmed, which may have aggravated the clinical condition.

The veterinary team described that the condition presented by Pingo consisted exactly of these gastroenteric and neurological symptoms, with intoxication being the main diagnosis.

ICU treatment

During his hospitalization, Pingo initially remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and, after stabilization, he was transferred to a semi-intensive bed.

He received a series of medications to control vomiting, protect his digestive system, control seizures and aid in his overall recovery. Additional tests and positive progress with treatment reinforced the suspicion of poisoning.

After six days, the dog was discharged and continues to recover at home, where he was monitored by the medical team for a few weeks.

We demanded that they remove the plant, but they were negligent.

The owners sent messages and audios to the establishment demanding the removal of the plants, but claim they received evasive responses.

Faced with the situation, they hired a lawyer and sent an extrajudicial notice requesting reimbursement of veterinary expenses and the removal of toxic species.

The guardian also has a technical report that proves the intoxication and intends to take legal action if there is no agreement.

Veterinarian explains the dangers of poisoning

According to veterinarian Eduardo Filetri, plant poisoning is a well-known condition in veterinary medicine and can cause different symptoms in animals.

“He vomits, he drools, he may have colic, diarrhea, a lot of abdominal pain. Some [plants] even cause hemorrhage and liver and intestinal symptoms,” he explains.

According to Filetri, in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, some animals may also present neurological signs, such as dilated pupils that do not react to light , known as non-photoreactive mydriasis.

The treatment, according to the specialist, depends on the time elapsed after ingesting the plant. “If it is up to three hours, you can do a gastric lavage. After that, many authors believe that it is no longer useful. Then medication, serum, liver protectors and anti-vomiting drugs come in.”

What does the bakery say?

In a statement, Bossa Bakery regretted what happened to Pingo and stated that, after being contacted, it offered support with information about the species planted on site, which according to the company “are not toxic, but unfit for consumption, like most plants in the urban landscape”.

The establishment highlighted that the plants used are common in squares, parks and public spaces, and that the circulation of domestic animals is only permitted in the external area.

“Pets must enter through the side entrance. Animals are only allowed in the outdoor areas. Always keep your pet on a leash and under your supervision. Pick up your pet's waste and inform our team so that the area can be properly cleaned. Each owner is responsible for their pet, including preventing it from consuming inappropriate food or products, or damaging the environment,” the bakery informed.

*Under AR supervision.