Plant Description:

1. Twining, perennial climbing vine growing up to 20 feet in length; grows wild in tropic and semi-tropical areas

2. Leaves are alternate, compound

3. Seeds are bright red, black tip; used in rosaries, mobiles, necklaces, and Maracas

1. The toxic principle is an albuminous material known as abrin. It has a powerful effect on the gut

1. Most likely to occur in dogs

2. Onset time of several hours to two days

3. Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly bloody), dehydration

4. Loss of appetite, muscle tremors, weakness, incoordinated

5. Colic, depressed

1. Very important to replace fluids

2. Symptomatic treatment