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.    

Lily Poisoning in Cats

Lilies seem to becoming more and more popular in floral arrangements and while they are beautiful, they are deadly to cats.  All parts of the plant are toxic and it only takes a tiny amount to cause acute kidney failure in cats.  Examples of these plants are the Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum), Tiger Lily ( Lilium tigrinum), Day Lily (Lilium hemerocallus), Asian lily (Lily asiatic spp.) and Rubrum Lily ( Lilium rubrum).  However, any plant in the lily family can result in poisoning.

Clinical signs

• Vomiting, hypersalivation, depression, and anorexia usually occur within 1 to 2 hours after ingestion, followed by absence of urination and severe renal failure 2 to 4 days later. 

• If you know or think your cat might have eaten a lily, even just a tiny portion, take you cat to your veterinarian RIGHT AWAY.  The sooner treatment is begun, the better the prognosis.

Treatment

• The most important course of treatment is emptying the stomach of all plant components within 4 hours of ingestion.   
• Then administering medications to prevent absorption of the toxin.
• Also, diuresis of the kidneys via intravenous fluid therapy for 48 hours is very important to make sure that the kidneys continue to function appropriately.

Prognosis

• If emptying the stomach and administering medications to prevent absorption of the toxin are effective and fluid diuresis is performed, the prognosis for recovery is usually excellent.
• If enough toxin is absorbed to lead to acute kidney failure, the prognosis is guarded. This makes it very important to seek emergency care immediately after ingestion of the lily plant. 

For more information on lilies and other toxic plants please visit the ASPCA Poison Control website.

Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets

There are a number of human foods that are tasty to us but have been proven to be toxic and even deadly to our pets.  While it is tempting to give your pet human food, pets should not consume human food unless it's recommended by your veterinarian.



Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, that is toxic to dogs in large enough quantities. Chocolate also contains caffeine which is also toxic. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine and caffeine. Baking and Dark chocolate contain the most, then milk chocolate followed by white chocolate which contains the least.  In other words a  dog would need to consume more milk chocolate in order to become ill. However, even a few ounces of chocolate can be enough to cause a small dog to become ill, so really no amount or type of chocolate should ever be considered “safe” for a dog to eat. Chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, rapid or irregular heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures. Death can occur within 24 hours of ingestion.

 

Xylitol 

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, breath-mints and toothpaste. It causes a sudden insulin release in dogs, which leads to low blood sugar levels. It can also cause liver failure in dogs. Initial signs of toxicosis typically within 30 minutes of ingestion include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. These signs can then progress to recumbancy, seizures and death. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.  

   

Grapes and Raisins

Both grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in both dogs and cats.  The toxic substance in these fruits is unknown.   Vomiting, increased drinking and lethargy can occur 5 to 6 hours after ingestion, followed by anorexia, lack of urination, and tremors.  One to two grapes may be enough to cause these clinical signs.

  

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation but more importantly can lead to red blood cell damage resulting in anemia. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed.  

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain a substance called Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats.

 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are commonly found in cookies and candies. The mechanism of toxicity is unknown, but ingestion can caused weakness, depression, vomiting,  and tremors in dogs. Signs usually occur 6 or more hours after ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Please visit the ASPCA Poison Control for more information or if you think your pet has consumed any of these foods.
 

 

Antifreeze - Deadly Danger

It’s that time of the year when we need to be reminded of the toxic dangers of antifreeze for both dogs and cats.  Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is a colorless and odorless alcohol that has a sweet taste that animals are attracted to.  Just a few licks antifreeze can cause kidney failure and death.

Clinical signs of early ethylene glycol toxicity include:

• Drunken appearing (ataxia) gait
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Lethargy
• Coma

It’s extremely important that a veterinarian sees your pet as quickly as possible after ingestion or suspect ingestion of ethylene glycol.  

Prevention tips:

• Do not let your dog roam freely, especially in the garage
• Check your car for any leaks
• Keep antifreeze containers tightly closed and stored out of reach of pets
• If antifreeze is spilled make sure that it is thoroughly cleaned up
1. Use cat litter to absorb the liquid
2.  Clean up the area with rags
3.  Safely dispose of both the cat litter and rags
4.  Finally rinse the area with water 
• Never pour used antifreeze down storm drains, sinks, toilets or on the ground
  o   Wildlife can suffer from antifreeze poisoning too

There are now less toxic antifreeze alternatives to ethylene glycol available containing propylene glycol.  Although not entirely nontoxic propylene glycol is significantly less toxic and appears to be less tasty to animals.  Please look for these pet safe propylene-glycol antifreeze alternatives.

If you suspect your pet has consumed or might have consumed any toxic substance call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435.