Tag Archives: poison

In memory of Ruby.

In memory of Ruby.

 

In memory of Ruby.

Xylitol and dogs – Do you know the risks? 

 

This months blog has been bravely written in memory of Ruby a beautiful Hungarian Vizsla, who has passed away due to xylitol poisoning. Her owner, Kate has kindly written this article to help spread the word – Xylitol kills and it is more common in food than you may think.

 

A week ago today our beautiful Hungarian Vizla Ruby died. She was just seven. Losing a beloved family dog is utterly terrible, but our grief is compounded by the fact we might have been able to save her had we known about xylitol.

 

A week ago today our beautiful Hungarian Vizla Ruby died. She was just seven. Losing a beloved family dog is utterly terrible, but our grief is compounded by the fact we might have been able to save her had we known about xylitol.

 

Ruby

 

Ruby died after eating xylitol, a great (for humans) sugar replacement that’s being used increasingly in foods. But it is lethal for dogs. One small piece of chewing gum sweetened with xylitol (most are – have a look) is enough to kill an 8 – 10 kg dog. One piece. There are quite a lot of different substances and foods within the family home that are poisonous to pets and this is one of many, dog owners need to be aware of. It can be found in yogurts, takeaways, cakes, biscuits, toothpaste and peanut butter … any food that manufacturers want to improve by replacing sugar with a healthier alternative. If you are feeding your dog a human food ALWAYS check the label and if you are not sure, don’t take the risk.

 

ruby..

 

Ruby stole two of my homemade brownies. Nothing new – she’s stolen them before from sealed boxes, with no adverse affects – but this time I’d cooked with Xylitol. I had no idea that she should be rushed immediately to the vet to begin intensive, invasive treatment which might – just might – have saved her.

Instead it took until she vomited terribly and collapsed 36 hours later for us to go to the vet. She was transferred to the amazing Royal Veterinary College this is where the xylitol poisoning was diagnosed.

After eight days of battling, critically ill in intensive care, Ruby died. We are heartbroken. What good can come of losing a pet who was the center of our family, loved beyond imagination? We are beside ourselves with sadness and guilt.

 

Only other dog lovers will understand the level of grief. And I would hate you to go through what we are at the moment. So, please, learn about xylitol and the other pet poisons that may be lurking in your home. Check labels, if its not made for a dog to eat, double, triple check it. If your dog is a scavenger, keep a close eye on them both in the home and out and about. Discarded chewing gum, peanut butter in your dogs Kong or Licki Mat, always check the labels. Do they enjoy your leftovers from a delicious takeaway? Some better quality restaurants now use xylitol in their cooking, with takeaways how often do they list every ingredient on their packaging?

 

animal poison line

 

If your pet has eaten something you are concerned about, do not delay, contact your local veterinary surgery or call the Animal Poison Line, at 01202 509000. And no, I didn’t know about this wonderful service either. For a flat fee of £30 they will assess what your pet has eaten and give you  advice on what to do and how urgent it needs to be done. It may save your pet’s life.

 

Spread the word. We need all dog owners to be aware, that this is another toxin that could be in your lurking in your home. We need those who drop gum to know they are leaving a trail lethal to man’s best friend. We need food manufacturers to clearly label foods with xylitol as ‘lethal to dogs’.

 

The Poison Line documents hundreds of deaths from xylitol each year. They think the true figure could be in the thousands. Please don’t let your dog become one of them.

 

ruby face

In memory of Ruby.

Blog and images supplied by Kate, Ruby’s mum.

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Cat poisons

The most common poisons encountered by cats are

  1. Lillies
  2. Dog flea products containing permethrin
  3. Aspirin and other salicylates
  4. Paracetamol
  5. Antifreeze- Ethylene Glycol
  6. Liquid Potpourri
  7. Glow sticks
Lilly Poisoning
Many people are not aware that a common plant such as the Lilly is extremely poisonous to cats. All parts of the plant, stem, flowers and pollen are poisonous.

If your cat ingests any part of a Lilly plant you should seek immediate veterinary attention, as it can cause acute kidney failure.

After a cat has eaten part of a lily plant, signs of stomach upset (vomiting, lack of appetite, or lethargy) may be present. Clinical signs may be seen from 2 hours to 4 days after ingestion  of the plant, and  signs of kidney failure may begin which can include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, and occasionally lack of urination.

With early treatment  (within 18 hours) with aggressive decontamination (making the cat sick and giving activated charcoal) and fluid therapy for 48 hours the prognosis can be good with  complete recovery.

Luckily lillies do not appear to be toxic to dogs or rabbits.

Dog Flea products containg pyrethrins

Cats are much more sensitive to pyrethrins than dogs.  Poisoning usually  occurs when a spot on dog flea product is administered mistakenly to a cat. These pyrethrin containing spot on preparations are the ones commonly found in pet stores and supermarkets.

Signs of toxicity are varied and include excess salivation, vomiting, weakness, excitability, tremors, seizures.

Treatment involves controlling seizures with phenobarbitone or gas anaesthesia,  (they are less responsive to diazepam),  intravenous fluids, maintenance of body temperature and glucose levels, and washing the product off the skin with washing up liquid.  Signs may persist for 1-4 days.

The prognosis can be good with early and aggressive treatment.

Occasionally cats may also show scratching at the application site , chewing feet or extremities, and nervous behaviour due to a problem called paresthesia. This is treated with decontamination of the site with washing up liquid, and application of vitamin E oil to the application site.

Aspirin and salicylates


Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is present in many over the counter analgesic ointments, as well as the common tablet form. Non aspirin salicylates are found in topical acne creams, lotions, sunscreens, facial masks, and make up, deep heat, Ralgex cream and Boots pain relief heat rub.

Toxicity to cats with aspirin is possible with ingestion of more than 30mg per kilogram weight of cat. Thus for an average 4kg cat 120 mg of aspirin may be toxic.

Signs of toxicity can appear hours to days after ingestion,  causing vomiting, diarrhoea and gastrointestinal ulceration with blood in the vomit or black faeces.  Collpase, fever, tremors seizures, bone marrow suppression and cerebral oedema may also be seen.

Treatment involves making the cat vomit or washing out the stomach, followed by activated charcoal. A course of gastro-intestinal protectants (sucralfate and h2 blockers) may be needed for 10-14 days. Intravenous fluids and regulation of body temperature may also be needed.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is highly toxic to cats at  a dose rate of 45mg/kg or 180mg for an average 4kg cat), and symptoms include blue (cyanotic) mucous membranes (gums, or tongue) and difficulty breathing.  later symptoms include blood coloured urine and jaundice (yellow colouration of skin and mucous membranes due to liver damage).

Treatment includes making the cat vomit, or washing out the stomach, oxygen therapy, gastric protectants (activated charcoal),  intravenous fluids.

The prognosis is generally poor, even with treatment.

Ethylene Glycol   (Antifreeze)

Antifreeze products that are used in car radiators and  sometimes brake fluid, contain ethylene glycol that is highly toxic to cats. The substance has a sweet taste and may be drunk or the cat may get it on their feet and then lick it off.

It causes vomiting, a staggering walk and kidney failure. Treatment involves decontamination of the cat and hospitalisation and intravenous fluid therapy. Early treatment can give a full recovery but  unfortunately if kidney failure develops it can be fatal.

Liquid potpourri

Cats exposed to liquid potpourri can develop server skin , eye and mouth lesions. They contain essential oils and cationic detergents that are toxic to cats.

Treatment is usually successful but may require several days of hospitalisation and supportive care.

Glow sticks

Glow sticks when broken contain a substance that is irritating to cats and may cause excessive salivation, agitation and vomiting.  The symptoms are usually shor-lived lasting only a few minutes. Normally washing any part of the coat contaminated and giving milk or tuna juice to dilute the taste is all that is required.

For contact details of your local surgery see www.youngvets.co.uk