Toxicosis in Dogs

Toxicity, toxin exposure, poisoning

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Toxicosis occurs when a dog is exposed to a toxin or poisonous substance that results in changes within the body, some of which have the potential to be very serious.
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to moderate to severe

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within days to weeks, or may be fatal
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
  • Prevention Icon
    Avoid exposure or ingestion
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is not directly possible between animals or from animals to people
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical exam, lab tests

VERY COMMON IN
Dogs of any age, breed, or gender can be exposed to toxins.

Symptoms & Signs

Toxicosis occurs when a dog is exposed to a toxin or poison either through eating, inhaling, or touching such a substance. This exposure then leads to changes in normal bodily functions. The method of toxin exposure and subsequent bodily changes vary widely depending upon the specific toxin involved. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, increased or decreased heart rate, increased or decreased respiratory rate, excessive salivation, tremors, seizures, ataxia (wobbly gait), collapse, hemorrhage (bleeding, internal or external) and redness or swelling in or around the mouth.

Diagnosis

Many toxicoses in dogs occur as the dog is either observed ingesting a toxin or the remnants, wrappers, or evidence is found left behind. In these cases, the diagnosis of the toxicity is already known, but additional lab testing may be needed to determine if the toxin ingested has caused any organ dysfunction, anemia, or coagulopathy. The specific testing needed is based upon the specific toxin, as different toxins can impact different body systems. If signs are seen at home that may be suspicious of toxin exposure, the detective process begins to determine which toxin may be the culprit. This determination is quite important, since toxins can act on so many different body systems, leading to a variety of potential problems and requiring different treatments. If a dog begins to display abnormal behavior or mentation, spontaneous bleeding, seizures, sudden vomiting and/or diarrhea, lethargy, or pale gums, toxicosis needs to be considered. There are no blood or urine tests that will provide a definitive answer for exposure to all toxins, but baseline lab tests may provide some clues. A complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and urinalysis are generally performed for most dogs with a suspected toxicosis, since some changes can make the exposure to certain toxins more or less likely. If drug exposure is a strong possibility, there are urine tests available that will determine if certain illicit drugs have been ingested. The testing of blood clotting (PT, PTT, etc.) can be performed if bleeding abnormalities are observed. Additionally, abdominal x-rays may be needed if a stomach or intestinal obstruction is suspected from the ingestion of wood glue. Electrocardiograms (EKG/ECG) may be performed if heart abnormalities are observed or suspected.

Causation

Toxicosis occurs when a dog eats, touches, or inhales a poisonous substance. Different toxins can act on the body in different manners. Some can lead to seizures and neurologic abnormalities, hyperexcitability, gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite), kidney dysfunction, liver dysfunction, anemia (low red blood cell count), or coagulopathy (blood clotting disorder). At home, signs of toxicity may include lethargy, abnormal mentation or behavior, vomiting, diarrhea, white gums, seizures, spontaneous bleeding (including blood in the stool), and increased water consumption and urination volumes. The following list includes many of the most commonly reported toxicities in dogs. However, it is not an exhaustive list. If your dog was exposed to a substance and you are unsure if it is toxic, contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center. - Foods o Chocolate o Grapes and raisins o Onions and garlic o Macadamia nuts o Xylitol o Moldy foods - Drugs o Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin) o Stimulant medications (methylxanthines, pseudoephedrine) o Marijuana- Household exposure o Rodenticide (rat poison) o Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) o Insecticides o Certain plants o Wood glue (Gorilla Glue) o Some essential oils o Cleaning products, including bleach o Tobacco products

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
If exposure to a toxin is known or highly suspected, veterinary attention is necessary. **It is not recommended to induce vomiting at home using hydrogen peroxide.** Studies have shown significant damage can be caused to the esophagus and stomach by hydrogen peroxide administration. Additionally, some toxins can cause further damage if vomiting is induced. After veterinary attention has been sought, certain medication may be prescribed for use at home in addition to dietary modifications and monitoring of appetite, energy level, behavioral changes, vomiting, and diarrhea.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
Many dogs with toxicosis require hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, supportive medications, and close monitoring. Depending upon the severity and type of toxin exposure, outpatient treatment may be an option.
icon MEDICATIONS
The medications given to treat a toxicosis vary greatly depending upon the specific toxin involved. Some of these medications include activated charcoal, antacids, vitamin K, sedative medications, and glucose.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
Endoscopic or surgical procedures may be needed to remove foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract, such as pennies leading to a zinc toxicosis or lead-based objects. Expanding water activated polyurethane adhesives, such as Gorilla Glue, may also necessitate surgery.
icon SPECIALISTS
Both general practitioner and emergency veterinarians manage most toxin exposures in dogs, but referral to specialists in veterinary internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and surgery may be necessary for more severely affected cases.

Cost Of Treatment

Cost is variable depending on the type of toxicosis and treatment required.

Recovery

The recovery from a toxicosis is highly variable and is based upon the specific toxin exposure, duration between toxin exposure and treatment, and the severity of clinical signs and organ damage. Some dogs recover from toxicosis immediately after vomiting, whereas others improve after several hours, days, or weeks. However, certain toxicoses can be fatal.

Monitoring

Specific monitoring needs are again dependent upon the type of toxin exposure and the severity of effects on an individual dog. Some toxins require frequent monitoring of blood values (including liver and kidney values, electrolytes, blood glucose, etc.), EKG, neurologic exam, blood clotting times, and overall clinical signs. At home, dogs should be monitored for changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, behavioral or mentation changes, seizures, and changes in water consumption and urination volume.

Prevention

The mainstay of prevention is to avoid exposure to toxins.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.