DID YOU KNOW………?
By Dr. Catherine Adams
Our long-anticipated and beautiful summer is finally here. Along with travel and fun filled outdoor activities come potential hazards for our pets. Some of the most common are toxic exposures and ingestions.
Toxic Exposures
Concentrated exposures to skunk spray, either from a direct hit to the face or while in the confines of a hole, have been associated with methemoglobinemia, Heinz body anemia, or “skunk toxic shock syndrome”. Common signs of skunk toxic shock syndrome include an acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and shock.
Stings from venomous insects such as wasps, spiders, and scorpions produce a variety of problems ranging from mild, localized swelling to anaphylaxis. Snakes and their subsequent strikes occur with some frequency to curious dogs and cats. Bite injuries may result in tissue necrosis or severe systemic illness, with seizures and death as sequelae. In the continental United States, strikes by rattlesnakes and coral snakes are the most likely to cause clinical signs.
Ingestions
Mushrooms are often difficult to identify, and ingestion of even the most innocent looking ones can cause problems. Signs vary from mild gastrointestinal irritation to cardiac and CNS effects, including seizures and hallucinations.
Fireworks
The contents of fireworks are just as difficult to identify. Ingestions may lead to gastrointestinal effects along with the potential for heavy metal toxicity (copper, strontium, barium, magnesium, phosphorus, aluminum, titanium).
Toads and frogs are intriguing to cats and dogs. Tasting, eating, or even carrying around most varieties results in profuse salivation and mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. The most serious toxic ingestion is associated with the cane toad, common to several southern states. Buccal absorption of the bufo toxin produces immediate cardiac complications, with sudden death a distinct possibility.
Above all, be observant and react quickly, but still enjoy your summer.
By Dr. Catherine Adams
Our long-anticipated and beautiful summer is finally here. Along with travel and fun filled outdoor activities come potential hazards for our pets. Some of the most common are toxic exposures and ingestions.
Toxic Exposures
Concentrated exposures to skunk spray, either from a direct hit to the face or while in the confines of a hole, have been associated with methemoglobinemia, Heinz body anemia, or “skunk toxic shock syndrome”. Common signs of skunk toxic shock syndrome include an acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and shock.
Stings from venomous insects such as wasps, spiders, and scorpions produce a variety of problems ranging from mild, localized swelling to anaphylaxis. Snakes and their subsequent strikes occur with some frequency to curious dogs and cats. Bite injuries may result in tissue necrosis or severe systemic illness, with seizures and death as sequelae. In the continental United States, strikes by rattlesnakes and coral snakes are the most likely to cause clinical signs.
Ingestions
Mushrooms are often difficult to identify, and ingestion of even the most innocent looking ones can cause problems. Signs vary from mild gastrointestinal irritation to cardiac and CNS effects, including seizures and hallucinations.
Fireworks
The contents of fireworks are just as difficult to identify. Ingestions may lead to gastrointestinal effects along with the potential for heavy metal toxicity (copper, strontium, barium, magnesium, phosphorus, aluminum, titanium).
Toads and frogs are intriguing to cats and dogs. Tasting, eating, or even carrying around most varieties results in profuse salivation and mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress. The most serious toxic ingestion is associated with the cane toad, common to several southern states. Buccal absorption of the bufo toxin produces immediate cardiac complications, with sudden death a distinct possibility.
Above all, be observant and react quickly, but still enjoy your summer.
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