1. Herbaceous annual, usually grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as a houseplant

2. Large palmate leaves; usually with 9 pointed lobes

3. Leaves often have a reddish tinge

4. Seeds inside spiny capsule

      a) usually oval in shape and 3 seeds per capsule

      b) seed color is often dark brown, mottled

      c) resemble swollen ticks

1. The toxic principle is an albuminous material known as ricin that 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