Common Toxicities

Toxicant: “Any substance that when introduced into or applied to the body can interfere with the life processes of cells or the organism.”

Toxin: “A noxious or poisonous substance that is formed or elaborated during the metabolism and growth of …animal species.”

Decontamination: “the process of removing or neutralizing injurious agents.”

Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 6th Ed.McCurnin & Bassert

Corrosive: (also caustic) “highly reactive substance that causes damage to living tissue.”

Emesis: Act of vomiting

Demulcents: a medication that is soothing or bland in nature

Cardiotoxic:Compound that is toxic to cardiac tissues

Hepatotoxic:Compound that is toxic to liver tissues

Nephrotoxic: Compound that is toxic to renal tissues

1. What is the current clinical status?2. What was animal exposed to and by what

route? 3. Did owner take any steps to treat?4. Age and weight of animal5. How much was ingested; when was

exposure?6. Any history of medical problems; recent

surgeries; on medications?

1. Assess patient’s condition:1. Respiratory rate, CRT, mucous

membrane color, heart rate, temperature;

2. If seizing, assess while stabilizing animal

2. Treat the patient: 1. Provide patent airway; CPR if

necessary

Occular exposure: via the eyeTreatment: flush eyes repeatedly with water

or saline solution for 30 minutes

Dermal exposure: via the skinTreatment: bathe in mild liquid dish

detergent; repeat as necessary & towel dry

Oral ingestion: via the mouth (most common route)

Treatment options:1. Dilution: performed with milk or water.

Recommended in cases of corrosive ingestion. Usual dosage is 1-3 ml/lb of animal.

2. Gastric Lavage: uses warm water plus something to change the pH

3.. Induce vomiting (emesis)

Emesis:

Determined by species, length of time since

ingestion & type of poison

Productive only within 3 hours of ingestion

DO NOTDO NOT induce vomiting in animals with a history of cardiovascular disease, epilepsy or recent GI surgery;

or those in a coma or severely depressed; or if the animal is hyperactive or has recently vomited.

Dogs, cat, pigs & ferretshave the ability to vomit

THE TOXICANT MATTERS! When NOT to induce vomiting:

1. Corrosive material (results in re-exposure of esophageal

tissues)

2. Hydrocarbon-containing materials (ex. gasoline, fuel oil, propane, kerosene (possible aspiration of toxicant)

Instead of inducing emesis, dilute with water or milk; use demulcents & GI protectants

1. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution- 1 tsp per 5lbs. Usually works within 15-20 minutes

2. Syrup of Ipecac (NEVER Fluid of Ipecac)- Caution, can cause cardiovascular problems

3. Apomorphine Hydrochloride - Injectable solution or capsule for conjunctival use

4. Activated Charcoal- Made into a slurry with water, administered via large syringe or stomach tube. Don’t use with caustic materials, ethanol, heavy metals

5. Enemas- Use when you want to eliminate toxicants from lower GI tract. NEVER use premixed human enema solutions

Household (indoor & outdoor)

PlantsFoodPharmaceuticals

www.aspca.org/apcc

1. Acids (Toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, metal cleaners, anti-rust compounds, pool sanitizers)

Signs: tissue damage at site of contact & in GI tract; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage

2. Alkali (Oven cleaners, bleach, denture cleaner, hair relaxers, electric dishwashing soaps, cement)

Signs: lesions are deeper than acid compounds; esophageal ulcers or perforations

3. Detergents (shampoos, laundry detergent)- Low in toxicity when used alone; can be

caustic with other substances

4. Fabric Softeners, Potpourri oil, hair mousse, disinfectants, sanitizers

- Rapidly absorbed, can produce systemic toxicity,oral ulcers, stomatitis in cats – even in low doses

5. BatteriesContain alkaline compounds; causes burns, and battery casing cause GI obstruction or lacerations

6. PenniesPennies minted post 1983 contain 99.2% zinc. In stomach gastric acids leach zinc, gets absorbed in blood stream & causes intravascular hemolysis

7. Cigarettes/NicotineSigns develop within 45 mins; excitation, tachypnea, salivation, collapse, cardiac arrest, death

8. MothballsContain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. VERY toxic to cats, causes Heinz bodies

9. Ice MeltHigh in NaCl; can cause fatal hypernatremia; signs include twitching, PU/PD

10. Metaldehyde (snail, slug bait)Signs within minutes; hypersalivation, GI cramping, severe seizures, nystagmus

11. Rodenticide

(Anticoagulants) Warfarin – anticoagulant, blocks Vitamin K clotting factor

Signs within 5-10 days include hemorraghing, pale mucuous membranes, weakness, coughing.

Treatment includes blood transfusion, oral or SQ Vitamin K

11. Rodenticides

(Hypercalcemia-inducing) Cholecalciferol - enhances absorption of calcium from intestines, causing calcium deposits in kidneys;

Signs: renal failure, V/D; PU/PD; renal failure within 2 days.

Treatment includes inducing vomiting within 4 hours of ingestion. After 4 hours use activated charcoal

12.AntifreezeContain methanol, propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is most dangerous form

Sweet, palatable1½ tsp. can kill a cat; ½ cup can kill a

20lb dog

CLINICAL PHASE 1

1st hour: animal appears drunk12 hours: V/D, PU/PD, ataxia, depression, seizures

CLINICAL PHASE 2

24-96 hours: CaOx crystals form in renal tubulesRenal failure begins

TREATMENT IS ONLY EFFECTIVE IN CLINICAL PHASE 1

Cardiotoxic Plants:Rhododendron (incl. azaleas) – signs within 4-

12 hrs

Oleander, Lily of the Valley, Foxglove – entire plant is toxic

Castor Beans – contain Ricin; entire plant is toxic, but seeds have highest amount of ricin. 1 ricin seed can kill a human

Kalanchoe – leaves and stems are toxic to dogs & cats

Nephrotoxic Plants:

All Lilies (Easter, Tiger, Day, etc.) – even minor exposure can cause toxicosis.

Consider all feline exposure to lilies life threatening!Death can occur 3-6 days post ingestion

Rhubarb – leaves only

Hepatotoxic Plants:Cycads

Mushrooms

Moldy Foodcontain Mycotoxins; grows on grains, nuts, dairy, found in compost piles; muscle tremors & seizures

Raw Yeast Dough – secretes ethanol as it rises; rises faster inside body because of temperature, ethanol is absorbed in blood stream, causes GDV/Bloat; blindness, cardiac arrest, death

Grapes and Raisins

Toxic pathway remains unknown, but is under current investigation by ASPCA

Causes acute renal failure in dogs

Initial clinical symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea

Life threatening renal failure usually occurs within 24 hours

ChocolateToxic Ingredient: Theobromine

CNS and CV stimulant increases blood pressure

Clinical Signs: excitement, trembling, vomiting, muscle spasms, seizures

Beware Cocoa Mulch!

Theobromine Concentrations

Milk chocolate:44mg/oz.(1 oz per 1 lb of body weight)

Semisweet chocolate:150mg/oz.(1 oz per 3 lbs of body weight)

Baker's chocolate:390mg/oz.(1 oz per 9 lbs of body weight)

Garlic, Onions – (raw, cooked or onion/garlic powder)

Toxic Ingredient: Thiosulphate

Poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion.

Toxic amount is unknown

Onion or garlic toxicity may cause hemolytic anemia or Heinz body formation.

Source: University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine

Caution

High Fat Foods – Acute pancreatitis

HOLIDAYS!

Alcohol Avocado Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts Coffee and all caffeinated

beverages Salt Xylitol sweetened foods

1. AcetaminophenLiver toxic in dogs; even low doses are toxic to cats. Signs: depression, dyspnea, icterus, facial or paw edema

2. IbuprofenCauses renal damage, CNS damage, seizures, ataxia, coma in dogs. Cats are twice as sensitive. Most common signs: bloody diarrhea, PU/PD

3. AspirinExtreme caution in cats. Can kill them.

4. Ephedrine, PseudoephedrineStimulants found in OTC cold meds and

nasal decongestants. Causes kidney failure

5. Psoriasis MedicinesCauses hypercalcemia which shuts down kidneys and heart

TOXICITIES PROJECT