Natural intoxication by Euphorbia milii (“crown of Christ”) in a dog in Rio de Janeiro: a case report

Marilene  de Farias Brito; Danielly  Laerzio Carrão; Jorge  Lucas da Silva; Fernanda  Bernabei Duboc Cardoso; Renée  Guariglia Alves Dias; Paula  Dias Retamero; Bartolomeu  Benedito Neves dos Santos; Vivian  de Assunção Nogueira; Ticiana  do Nascimento França

doi:10.21708/avb.2025.19.3.12976

Autori

Marilene de Farias Brito Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (DESP), Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IV), Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8667-9434 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Danielly Laerzio Carrão Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0303-1019 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Jorge Lucas da Silva Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1190-3335 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Fernanda Bernabei Duboc Cardoso Self‐employed Veterinarian, Vassouras, RJ, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8672-9550 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Renée Guariglia Alves Dias Undergraduate Student in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9556-6526 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Paula Dias Retamero Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5011-0164 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Bartolomeu Benedito Neves dos Santos Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6147-319X ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Vivian de Assunção Nogueira Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (DESP), Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IV), Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4034-9675 ##orcid.unauthenticated##
Ticiana do Nascimento França Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (DESP), Institute of Veterinary Medicine (IV), Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ 23890‐000, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7365-2697 ##orcid.unauthenticated##

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21708/avb.2025.19.3.12976

Abstract

Ornamental plants are not part of a dog’s diet, and even those not usually consumed, such as Euphorbia milii, can be accidentally ingested, which can be dangerous when inducing mild to severe poisoning and even death. Pets ingest these plants because of stress, discomfort, and pain. This study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological aspects of intoxication by E. milii, an ornamental plant known as the “crown of Christ” in a domestic dog and warn owners about possible accidents with ornamental plants. A 9‐year‐old Yorkshire bitch was taken to a veterinary clinic after ingesting large quantities of the plant. The animal presented with hematemesis, hematochezia, hyperthermia, mydriasis, motor incoordination, mental confusion, and agitation and died during treatment for poisoning. At necropsy, cyanosis, congestion of the mucous membranes, petechiae, and suffusions were observed in various organs, particularly in areas perforated by the plant’s thorns. The stomach was very dilated and full of still‐green leaves, as well as thorns. Histopathology showed a congestive and hemorrhagic state in various organs, erythrocyte aggregation, vacuolization, and necrosis of renal tubular cells.