Initial signs usually begin with restlessness, pacing, and agitation. Vocalization may occur. Dogs may exhibit hallucinogenic behavior such as snapping at invisible flies or staring into a corner. Death is usually due to cardiovascular collapse. Most ingestions of ma huang are accidental.
Dogs are more likely to ingest ma huang products than cats.
Potbellied pigs also readily ingest ma huang products. Many of the drink mixes are chocolate-flavored, which makes them more palatable. Administer activated charcoal and a cathartic such as sorbitol, magnesium sulfate, or sodium sulfate. For acepromazine and chlorpromazine, start at the low end of the dosage range and increase as needed. In certain instances, such as pseudoephedrine toxicosis or amphetamine overdose, phenothiazines work well to control the central nervous system effects because the cause of the seizure is not the same as in an epileptic animal.