Castor bean seeds contain ricin, one of the most potent natural toxins known.
The whole plant is toxic, but the seeds are by far the worst. The castor oil sold for cosmetic use has the ricin removed.
Ricin is a ribosome-inactivating protein. It enters cells via the carbohydrate part of the molecule and the toxic A-chain then halts all protein synthesis, killing cells from the inside. There is no antidote. Symptoms can be delayed by hours but progress relentlessly.
Sources
As little as one well-chewed seed can be lethal to a medium-sized dog. Swallowed whole, seeds may pass without releasing ricin — but vet care is still essential.
Contactez immédiatement votre vétérinaire ou une ligne d'urgence anti-poison pour animaux. Ne faites pas vomir l'animal sauf indication d'un vétérinaire.
callTrouver un vétérinaire d'urgence