Toxicology: True or False

I thought we’d stick with toxicology today.  Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIV has a wonderful chapter entitled “Urban Legends of Toxicology: Facts and Fiction”.  While the Internet is a great source of information it also contains a lot of misinformation.  If you are concerned about a potential toxin exposure your best resource is either your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control (888) 426-4435. 

• Ingestion of Swiffer WetJets causes liver failure in dogs. FALSE:  The only potential and likely problem following ingestion is foreign body obstruction.  

• Tea is a good poisoning antidote for cats and dogs.  FALSE:  Tea actually contains more caffeine than semisweet chocolate, therefore making it more toxic than semisweet chocolate.

• Ingestion of pennies are of little concern.  FALSE:  United States’ pennies made after 1982 contain zinc.  Zinc toxicity can occur from just one penny.  Clinical signs include anemia via destruction of red blood cells and severe gastrointestinal signs.  The anemia can be so severe that the patient requires blood transfusions.

• Febreze, the odor elimination production, is dangerous for pets.  FALSE:  The pre-1998 formulation did contain Zinc chloride, which has since been removed. 

• Vitamins A and D are toxic for most pets.  TRUE: Vitamin A toxicity can cause muscle weakness, bone abnormalities and blindness.  This is rare but can occur by consuming large amounts of liver or supplements containing cod liver oil.  Vitamin D toxicity can lead to high levels of calcium, which results in calcium deposition leading to heart and kidney damage.  Vitamin D toxicity is also rare but I've seen Vitamin D toxicity secondary to a dog consuming the owner’s entire bottle of Vitamin D supplements and as a result of ingestion of choleciferol-containing rodenticides.

• DEET Mosquito repellent products are safe for use on cats and dogs. FALSE:  All are toxic to pets.  Clinical signs included hypersalivation, vomiting, tremors, ataxia and seizures within 6 hours of exposure.  There is no antidote.  Decontamination and supportive therapy need to be initiated as soon as possible.

Please remember anything and everything can be potentially toxic for your pets.  Dose is everything.  If you suspect poisoning please either call your veterinarian or the ASPCA poison control, which has veterinary toxicologists on call 24/7.