We have been discussing the five most common toxins ingested by dogs and cats. Most of the information discussed in this series comes from an article by Drs. Luiz and Heseltine (Compendium, November 2008). After discussing the last two most common toxins, we will discuss some of the most common treatments.
Marijuana is one of the most common toxicants ingested by dogs and cats. The history of exposure is usually misleading or incomplete since possession of marijuana is illegal in the U.S., thus leading to the possible underdiagnosis of this intoxication. Animals exposed may show signs such as stumbling, depression, tremors, seizures, head bobbing, and alteration of behavior. They may also have low blood pressure, increased heart rate, weakness, low body temperature, and urinary incontinence. The last toxin is metaldehyde. This is most commonly found in slug and snail baits. This chemical is rapidly absorbed and can cause clinical signs within 30 minutes to 3 hours of ingestion. Animal that have ingested this chemical will usually have neurological signs such as tremors or seizures.
As long as the dog or cat is medically stable and the toxin was ingested within the last 4 hours, most treatments will start with causing the animal to vomit. This is done to decrease the amount of the toxin that is absorbed. In some animals, like those that are depressed, have already vomited, or have ingested a corrosive material, vomiting is not initiated. If deemed necessary, some may anesthetize the animal and perform a gastric lavage (stomach wash). After vomiting, the next most common treatment is activated charcoal. This is given to adsorb/bind the toxicant to an unabsorbable carrier that is eliminated through the feces. Some charcoals have a cathartic to help movement through the gastrointestinal tract and prevent constipation. It is usually helpful to run some type of bloodwork on the animal for two reasons: one is to have a baseline (know the animal’s normal bloodwork), the other is (if the animal is showing lethargy/sickness) to know if the chemicals have caused a metabolic/organ ailment. Some animals are advised to stay in the hospital overnight for intravenous fluids. Depending on the intoxicant and the previous treatment, intravenous fluids may aid in elimination through the urine while supporting blood pressures and preventing dehydration.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Next week we will discuss gastric dilatation volvulus and “Marley and Me.”