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.
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.
Cost is variable depending on the type of toxicosis and treatment required.
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.
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.
The mainstay of prevention is to avoid exposure to toxins.
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