Our homes abound with toxins that could harm our pets, from chocolate to spring lilies to the forgotten rodenticide in the garage. Therefore, emergency veterinary clinics see a steady stream of toxicity cases, and the emergency department at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is no exception.
Dr. Katie Gane, one of the specialists in emergency and critical care at the hospital, describes the toxins she sees most commonly and explains how they are treated.
Toxic Foods
Chocolate
Most pet owners know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Dr. Gane says, “The severity of chocolate toxicity depends on the type and amount of chocolate ingested and on your pet’s size. Generally, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is.”
Methylxanthine, the harmful compound in chocolate, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heart rhythm, and, at very high doses, seizures.
“Online chocolate toxicity calculators are available to help pet owners determine when to seek veterinary attention. If your pet has eaten chocolate, we always advise you to give us a call for further advice,” says Dr. Gane.
Grapes
Raisins, grapes, and sultanas can also have negative effects on our pets if ingested. The toxic compound in raisins is suspected to be tartaric acid, which can cause kidney injury. Clinical signs of kidney injury include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and excessive thirst.
Dr. Gane explains that, unlike chocolate, raisins are not toxic in a dose-dependent fashion. “Even if your pet has eaten only a few raisins or grapes, we would still recommend seeking veterinary attention,” she advises.
Xylitol
Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in gum, candies, and toothpaste. Signs of xylitol toxicity include vomiting and incoordination, which can progress to collapse and even seizures.
“The xylitol content in products is highly variable, so we recommend looking at the product packaging for exact information,” Dr. Gane explains. “If enough xylitol is ingested, it can cause a dangerous drop in your pet’s blood sugar levels, as quickly as within 10 to 15 minutes of ingestion, and can ultimately lead to liver failure.”
Cats do not seem to have a negative response to xylitol the way dogs do. “If you suspect your dog has eaten xylitol, we will likely recommend you visit the emergency room for further assessment,” says Dr. Gane.
Other Common Toxins
Lilies
The toxic compound in lilies has not yet been identified, and not every lily species contains it, but when consumed by a cat, it can cause severe and rapid kidney injury. Signs of lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, drooling, and a decreased appetite.
“All parts of the plant, including flowers, leaves, and pollen, are toxic,” Dr. Gane explains. “If you suspect your cat has ingested lilies, we recommend seeking veterinary care immediately.”
Fortunately, in dogs, lilies generally cause only mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides rank high in reasons for trips to the veterinary emergency room. “Many of these products taste great,” Dr. Gane explains, “making them especially appealing to pets, who mistake them for a treat. We recommend contacting a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten rodenticides.”
Because rodenticides may contain a variety of compounds, veterinarians need to know what was consumed to effectively treat the sick pet, making it important to bring the packaging with you to the clinic.
Anticoagulant rodenticides, when ingested, lead to the depletion of vitamin K, which is required for blood to clot. This toxicity can lead to excessive, severe bleeding. Signs are delayed, appearing 3 to 5 days following ingestion. The pet may show low energy, difficulty breathing, pale gums, bleeding from the nose, and blood in the urine or stool. Bleeding will most likely be internal and may not be obvious to pet owners. Thankfully, there is an antidote: a simple shot of vitamin K1, plus potentially a blood transfusion.
Other kinds of rodenticides contain cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which causes high levels of phosphorus and calcium to accumulate in the body, possibly leading to kidney failure and calcification of tissues. Signs of toxicity seem to develop 12 to 48 hours after ingestion and include weakness, no appetite, vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, and mineralization of soft tissues.
Bromethelin, a neurotoxin commonly found in rodenticides, can cause signs such as incoordination, tremors, and seizures.
If Your Pet Ingests a Toxin
If you suspect or know that your animal got into something potentially toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. “Some toxins are rapidly absorbed, so prompt treatment is crucial,” says Dr. Gane.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Have you got the packaging? If possible, bring the packaging with you to the emergency room. This helps the doctors identify the hazardous ingredients and potential dose ingested.
- What time did your pet ingest the product? Knowing the timeframe of ingestion helps veterinarians decide whether making your pet vomit to remove the toxin from the stomach is the best course of action.
- How much does your pet weigh? This can help veterinarians calculate the toxic dose and potential side effects quickly.
- Is your pet showing any clinical signs? Knowing whether your pet is exhibiting signs consistent with exposure can guide veterinarians in the treatment of your animal.
Treatment for Toxicity
The procedure for treating any one of these toxicities varies, but if ingestion was recent, veterinarians may elect to induce vomiting by giving your pet an injection. Dr. Gane does not recommend having owners try to make their pet vomit. “There is no reliable method of inducing vomiting at home,” she says, “and attempting this can lead to serious side effects.”
“Vomiting can help remove as much toxin as possible from the stomach, thus preventing further absorption,” says Dr. Gane. However, some absorption could have taken place even so, and monitoring of the pet, either by the veterinarian or by the owner, may be advisable to ensure no signs of toxicity appear.
Diagnostics, such as blood tests, may be necessary to evaluate your pet further. If your pet is showing signs of toxicity and/or the bloodwork results are abnormal, supportive treatment may be needed. Examples include intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medication, or specific antidotes, if they are available.
Recognizing potential toxins in your house—and making sure your pets cannot access them—are the first steps in preventing a trip to the emergency room.
Don’t hesitate to make that trip when it’s called for, though. Veterinarians understand that emergencies happen, and they are here to help you and your pet.
By Catherine Haenni
Featured photo by Fred Zwicky
