Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Common Household Toxicities

This week we are continuing to recognize March as poison prevention awareness month as we extend our discussion of common household toxicities of your pet dog and/or cat. There are many human medications kept around the house that if accidentally ingested or deliberately given could cause medical issues for your pet. We will touch on just a few of the more commonly reported ones this week. As always if you would like more information about a particular topic or have any questions feel free to contact us via email or call 725-8117!

Acetaminophen Toxicity:
Acetaminophen is the main active ingredient in a number of prescription and over the counter non-aspirin pain reliever medications such as Tylenol. It works as a pain medication and also reduces fever. Acetaminophen is VERY toxic to our feline companions. In GENERAL (varies with size of kitty and strength of pill) one regular strength (325mg) tablet can cause toxicity and a second could potentially be lethal. One extra-strength tablet (500mg) is enough usually to cause toxic symptoms.
Once ingested most species are able to metabolize acetaminophen normally, excreting any toxic products produced during the body’s processing in the urine. However, cats lack the ability to process acetaminophen in this way. This means that toxic products from processing the drug acetaminophen stay within your cat’s body and cause serious, potentially fatal, illness.
The affects of acetaminophen toxicity targets your feline’s liver and red blood cells. It results in the red blood cells being unable to carry oxygen normally, loss of red blood cells (anemia), and liver damage. If your cat ingests Acetaminophen look for these symptoms within 4 hours of ingestion: Pale, white, or blue tinged mucous membranes such as the gums, red or brown tinged urine, swelling of the face and front limbs, not eating, drooling, vomiting, lethargy.
If you notice any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital as soon as possible. If caught within time there is an antidote for the toxicity. However, if left untreated death for our feline companions can occur within 18-36 hours after ingestion. The prognosis depends on how quickly the toxicity is caught.

Our canine friends are susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity as well. Unlike cats, they ARE able to process acetaminophen properly. However, if they ingest too much acetaminophen they are susceptible to liver damage and potentially liver failure. Look for vomiting, lethargy, unwilling to eat, salivation, and yellow-tinged eyes and/or mucous membranes.

Make sure all medication in your household are out of reach from all canine and feline friends. Make sure they are not only elevated but stored within a second area that your cat cannot access. Always know what medications you have that they could potentially become exposed to, and NEVER give any medication that has not been prescribed to your pet by a veterinarian without consulting your veterinarian first.

Ibuprofen:
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with fever reducing, inflammation reducing, and pain reducing properties found in many HUMAN over the counter medications such as Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen is available in tablet and liquid form, and may be found in topical skin ointment and general cold medicine formulas as well.

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting a the formation of compounds called prostaglandins which are responsible for bringing about the local inflammatory response. However, prostaglandins are necessary for other normal bodily functions such as protecting the lining of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract and making sure your body can clot blood properly.

Although ibuprofen has been used therapeutically in dogs and cats for inflammation, you should NEVER give over the counter or prescription human formulated ibuprofen to your pet due to the high likelihood for side effects. Ibuprofen, even in small amounts can be toxic to your pet and cause life threatening illness. Ibuprofen is not recommended for your pet due to its ability, and high likelihood, of causing stomach ulceration which can lead to life threatening perforation of the stomach and intestines. Ibuprofen also causes blood flow to the kidneys to decrease and may lead to serious kidney side effects and possible failure. An inability to clot blood correctly and liver disease are also known consequences of ibuprofen toxicity.

If you have given your pet, or your pet has accidentally ingested ibuprofen look for these symptoms: not wanting to eat, nausea, salivation, lethargy, vomiting, increased drinking and urination, dark tarry stool, and bloody vomitus. If you notice any of these symptoms, or have witnessed an ingestion contact your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away. Treatment for ulceration, kidney failure etc can be very successful if instituted quickly.

It is important to remember that not all pain medications are the same. While we do have veterinary formulated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Rimadyl (carprofen) and Metacam, they ARE NOT THE SAME as the anti-inflammatory medications you take and can buy over the counter. You should always contact your veterinarian before giving anything at home. We are your best source for safe, reliable information on how to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Adderall
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorders in adolescents and adults. This medications and others like it are considered to be in the class of central nervous system stimulants, that also affect the heart. They work by changing the amounts of natural substances within the brain to produce a desired result. Ingestion by your pet can result in very serious consequences and even death. Accidental ingestion by your pet my result in the following symptoms: restlessness, seizure, coma, increased heart rate, panting, abnormal heart rhythm, and trembling. If you witness an ingestion or suspect accidental ingestion call your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away.

Nicotine products
Products such as cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and other smoking cessation aids can be very harmful to your pet if ingested in a large enough quantity for that particular weight animal. Nicotine, when ingested, has the potential to cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, depression, seizures, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and in very severe cases, death. Always make sure you keep tobacco products out of the reach of your pet, and dispose of smoking cessation aids in a waste bin that is not available to your pet. If accidental ingestion occurs contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.

Respiratory Inhalers:
Many inhalers commonly used for human respiratory conditions such as asthma contain medication that if inhaled by your pet in a large dose could cause toxicity. Our dogs and cats like to play and respiratory canisters can easily become punctured therefore expelling a large amount of inhaled medication to your canine and feline friend. One of the most common medications used in respiratory inhalers is albuterol. If your pet punctures one of these containers you might see any/all of the following symptoms: dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, weakness, incoordination, hyperactivity, vomiting, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, and panting. If you notice your pet puncture one of these canisters or find the canister contact your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away as a high dose can cause death. Always keep these canisters away from your pet’s reach, do not assume they wont chew on them!

Top Ten Common Toxicities according to the ASPCA

In 2011 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Illinois fielded more than 165,000 phone calls about substances ingested by their pet that were potential hazardous. Below is a list compiled from their phone calls of the most commonly reported toxicities. Make sure to pay attention to these items that you might have around your house:

1. Prescription human medications (ADHD meds, heart meds)
2. Insecticides
3. Over The Counter human medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
4. People Food (chocolate, onions, grapes etc)
5. Household products (mothballs, cleaners etc)
6. Veterinary Medications
7. Rodenticides (rat bait)
8. Plants (lilies, rododendrons, azaleas etc)
9. Lawn and Garden Products (fertilizers, bone meal, manure)
10. Automotive Products (anti-freeze, deicers)

We appreciate your interest an responsible pet owner's regarding potential toxic substances your pet may become exposed to. Please feel free to stop by anytime (35 Harrison st Gloversville NY) or call anytime (715-8117) with more specific questions or concerns.

Dr. Santspree

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

As we continue to recognize March as poison prevention awareness, we will focus on common household, yard, and garage toxic substances. We have to remember that our companion pets are not humans, and will expose themselves to toxic substances without knowing any better. As responsible pet owner’s we need to advocate for their safety. Hopefully the information we will provide will help to decrease the number of toxicities of our companions.

Rodenticides (indoor and outdoor toxicity)
Rodenticide toxicity in our feline and canine pets is commonly seen and if left untreated is deadly. In dogs, rodenticides are the THIRD MOST COMMONLY reported toxicity, and cats are susceptible as well (eating mice that have been poisoned). Rodenticides are found in pastes and pelleted formulas that are often placed in high traffic areas inside or outside of the house around the yard/garage. A majority of the rodenticides available contain toxic substances that are designed to kill the rodent by inhibiting coagulation (clotting). In simplistic terms our bodies are continuously in the process of coagulating (clotting) microscopic bleeding that occurs naturally. When an animal ingests a rodenticide that contains an anti-coagulant the normally controlled microscopic bleeding is inhibited and the animal begins to bleed internally. Eventually, if not treated, the animal will die from blood loss anemia. Symptoms begin to start around 6-12 hours after ingestion. You might notice trouble breathing, lethargy, weakness, pale gums or bleeding in the mouth, anorexia, dark tarry feces, and collapse. The sooner you notice these symptoms and contact a veterinarian the better. If treated the prognosis for recovery is good, left untreated rodenticide toxicity can be fatal.

Some rodenticides (less common) work to kill rodents by a different mechanism. Some rodenticide products may contain the compound cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). When ingested the rodenticide leads to toxic levels of calcium within your pet. Symptoms usually begin 12-36 hours after ingestion and will include depression, anorexia, vomiting, increased thirst and urination and possible bad breath. Ultimately, left untreated, cholecalciferol toxicity will result in multi-organ failure (heart, kidneys, liver). Left untreated most pets will die within 2-5 days after ingesting the toxin.

If you are using a rodenticide around your property or house, educate yourself as to what type, what active chemicals, and safe guard your pet. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the emergency clinic right away.

Ethylene Glycol Toxicity:
Ethylene glycol is a chemical that is found in about 95% of commercial radiator antifreeze and 75% of windshield deicers. It is the second most common cause of fatal poisonings in small animals. Antifreeze and deicers can taste sweet to animals, making it appealing. Cats in general are more sensitive (1-2 licks of a puddle can cause death) however dogs are susceptible as well. As ethylene glycol is metabolized, its intermediates (metabolic products) are highly toxic. Symptoms include central nervous system depression in the early stages: “drunken” stagger, lethargy, incoordination, anorexia, vomiting. As the ethylene glycol is further processed by the body crystals form in the kidneys and urine. Ultimately intoxicated animals go into kidney failure, and you may notice bad breath, urination, increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, inability to walk, and neurological symptoms (eyes moving abnormally). If caught early, ethylene glycol is a treatable intoxication, but aggressive action is needed. There are some formulations of deicers and anti-freeze that are safe for animals and should be used when possible. Always make sure these chemicals are far away from your pets, and any animals that may be around outside as well. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic if you witness or suspect an intoxication.

Household Cleaning Products

General Cleaners, Deodorizers, Disinfectants (Pine sol, Lysol, bleach products)

Products such as Pine sol contain pine oil. This compound, even at low levels, is highly toxic (cats are more susceptible). Pine oil is readily absorbed and can cause gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, kidney failure and death. If your pet ingests Pine sol or a cleaner with Pine Oil, give your pet milk and/or water and call your veterinarian right away. DO NOT induce vomiting.
Alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, Lysol) can cause central nervous system depression. As little at 1ml per 5 pounds in weight can cause symptoms such as lethargy, incoordination, decreased respiration and heart rate. If ingested call your veterinarian or/and emergency clinic and follow their direction to induce vomiting.
Household bleach solutions are mild to moderate toxicants that mainly affect the lungs and eyes. Ingestion can cause difficulty breathing, salivation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The vapors from the bleach solutions can cause damage to the eyes and lungs. If your pet steps in the residue from the cleaners and then cleans themselves (cats mostly) it can cause trauma directly to your pet’s skin which can look like a superficial burn. If ingested try and dilute the bleach with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away.

Detergents
There are three chemical classifications of detergents (nonionic, anionic, cationic) that determine their relative toxicity and treatment if ingested.

Non-ionic Detergents (Hand Dishwashing detergents, shampoos, some laundry detergents) are considered to be almost non-toxic. However, if ingested mild irritation can occur and you may notice vomiting or diarrhea Even though considered non-toxic, if a large amount is ingested check in with your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic to be on the safe side.

Anionic Detergents (ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, some shampoos) are considered to be mildly-moderately toxic. ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent can be highly toxic due to its alkalinity. When ingested injury and irritation can occur to the esophagus. Once absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract these substances can cause red blood cells to burst open and potentially cause kidney failure. Exposure to the eye can cause eye damage. If your pets ingest one of these substances DO NOT MAKE THEM VOMIT!!!! Causing your pet to vomit is CONTRAINDICATED and can cause severe irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Call your veterinarian and/or local emergency hospital and give your pet some water and milk to help dilute the toxin and counteract the alkalinity of the toxic product.

Cationic Detergents (Fabric softeners, germicides (germ killing), sanitizers) are considered HIGHLY TOXIC. These compounds often contain ammonias that can cause corrosive burns to the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. Effects on your pet after ingestion include drooling, weakness, respiratory depression, shock, seizures, and collapse. In case of ingestion DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT!!! These compounds if vomited can cause even more corrosive burning of your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away and dilute your pet’s stomach with milk and water.

Soaps (bar soap, hand soap)
Bar soap and hand soap you have within your house are the salts of fat that has been rendered. Their toxicity is considered mild, and usually results in mild-moderate gastrointestinal illness. Homemade soap has the potential to be more toxic than commercial soap due to a higher alkaline content (high pH). You might notice vomiting and/or diarrhea in your companion pet. If a very significant amount has been ingested (greater than 40 grams per pound of your pet) contact your veterinarian or the closest emergency clinic to discuss inducing vomiting at home.


Corrosive Chemicals are considered acids (Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Metal Cleaners, Anti-rust Compounds, Battery Fluid, Swimming Pool Acids). These chemicals tend to cause very LOCALIZED symptoms. Dermal (skin) exposure causes significant pain, and usually does not progress to ingestion (esophageal damage). Acute inflammation within the mouth or on the skin is followed by scarring. Treatment requires dilution of the chemical with water and/or milk. DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Call your veterinarian or emergency hospital right away as immediate treatment is beneficial.

Caustic chemicals (corroding/dissolving) are considered to be localized toxicities and are considered alkalis (Drain and Toilet bowl cleaners, denture cleaner, ammonias, disc batteries). These compounds are common sources of toxicities and in general are more serious when ingested than acids (previously discussed). These chemicals can easily penetrate the skin and result in significant toxicity such as seizures (within 5 minutes of ingestion) sloughing of the skin and mucosa of the esophagus, and irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. If ingestion occurs DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Dilute your pet’s ingestion with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic.

Thank you for following us as we strive to increase awareness about some common sources of toxicity among our companion animals! Stay with us next week as we continue this discussion. As always, call us anytime at 725-8117 with any questions or concerns, and please let us know if you would like to hear information about any particular topic! We appreciate your dedication to being a responsible pet owner!

Dr. Santspree, Jen LVT

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Toxicity Flowers and Plants

This week we will discuss a few of the more common toxic plants. Stay with us this month as we continue to cover various toxicities in honor of March as poison prevention awareness month. We hope to raise awareness about toxicities from flowers to foods and ultimately at the end of the month provide the information needed to deal with a toxicity should one occur.

There are more than 700 plants identified that are dangerous if ingested by our four legged friends. The plants we will discuss this week can produce toxic substances with side effects that can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to death. The reaction depends on the type of plant, what part and how much was ingested, and the size and species of the animal.

Lilies and Peace Lily
Plant members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to our feline and canine companions. While the toxic substance is not yet known even small amounts of lily ingestion can cause severe kidney failure in our feline friends. The peace lily contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals that can cause gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, vomiting, irritation of the mouth and trouble swallowing, and burning of the mouth, lips, and esophagus.

Tulips
The Tulipa/Narcissus species contain toxic substances within the bulb portion that can cause a range of symptoms from severe gastrointestinal irritation to depression of the central nervous system (convulsions, seizures) and cardiac abnormalities.

Rhododendron/Azalea
Plants of the Rhododendron spp. contain toxic substances (grayantoxins) that can produce mild to severe symptoms. A small ingestion could cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and salivation. A more significant ingestion can cause depression of the central nervous system (your pet may seem dull/unresponsive), seizures, coma, and possibly death.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooming flowers are often part of a bouquet of flowers. They are part of the Compositae family which contain pyrethrins that when ingested can result in gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea, salivation.

Oleander
All parts of the oleander plant are considered highly toxic. This plant contains cardiac glycosides that are considered to be dangerous toxins that can result in low body temperature, gastrointestinal upset, coma, and even death.

English Ivy
English Ivy, also known by various other names such as branching ivy, contain toxic components known as triterpenoid saponins. When ingested these toxic substances can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, and abdominal pain.

Marijuana:
If your pet ingests Cannabis sativa it can cause serious neurological toxicity. Symptoms include depression of the central nervous system which can manifest as incoordination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizure, coma and even death.

Yew:
The Yew plant of the Taxus spp. contain toxic substances known as taxine. Taxine affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, incoordination with movement, stumbling, and trembling. At high enough doses of ingestion it can also cause cardiac failure and and severe gastrointestinal upset.

Castor Bean:
The castor bean contains a highly toxic compound called ricin. When ingested this toxin causes severe gastrointestinal upset resulting in salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, significant abdominal pain, weakness, anorexia, and excessive thirst. If left untreated the severity of the gastrointestinal upset can result in significant dehydration and even death

Even though there are MANY toxic plants, there are also MANY non-toxic plants. Keep your pet’s safety in mind when you make a decision to have plants in the house, or in the yard that your pets can access. Below we will list briefly a number of toxic plants without going into detail and the main body system they affect. If you have further questions about specific symptoms of an individual plant listed please contact our hospital or reputable source for more detailed information:

Neurologic toxins (cause neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, dull mentality, coma)
* Tobacco
* Jimson Weed
* Bleeding Heart
* Crocus
* Morning Glory

Gastrointestinal Toxins (Cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, dehydration)
* Buttercup
* Bird of Paradise
* Hyacinth bulbs
* Buckeye bulbs
* Amaryllis bulbs
* Daffodil

Cardiovascular Toxins (Cause heart changes leading to increased/decreased heart rate, heart failure)
* Foxglove
* Hyacinth
* Hydrangea
* Milkweed
* Lily of the Valley

Kidney Failure/Organ Failure Toxins
* Begonia
* Calla lily (also Easter, Asiatic, day, and star-gazer lily)
* Shamrock
* Oak

Please call anytime with any questions or concerns about any of the information shared this week or in the weeks prior! Stay with us next week as we cover common toxic substances found within your house, basement and garage!

Dr. Santspree, Audrey LVT