Bumpy was rushed into our clinic recently, vomiting, shaking uncontrollably, and in severe distress. Our rapid triage system saw him swiftly admitted to our Intensive Care Unit where Head Veterinarian Dr Rivona Ramnanan diagnosed poisoning within minutes.
Bumpy’s breathing was laboured, his heart was racing, and every second counted. His seizures had to be brought under control, his breathing maintained, his shock treated, and his pain managed. To prevent further absorption of the poison still coursing through Bumpy’s system, activated charcoal had to be administered at regular intervals to bind any remaining toxins, while his body worked to metabolise and eliminate the poison. IV fluids were also administered to support his recovery and keep his organs functioning.
It was touch and go for a critical 24 hours but as Bumpy fought for his life, Dr Rivona and her nursing team fought right alongside him – and they weren’t giving up. His vital signs were monitored regularly, and his bloodwork checked repeatedly for any signs of liver or kidney damage. For the team, every moment was a battle, every decision critical.
Bumpy made a full recovery thanks to this incredible team who can keep cool heads in a crisis, superb veterinary skill and a lot of love! Not only from his owner and all of us, but also from you! It’s only because you fund the work of our hospital that our doors were open to Bumpy and his family when they needed us the most. It’s because of you that another life has been saved and another family made whole again.
What to Do if Your Dog is Poisoned?
Poisoning in dogs can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, lethargy or seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, quick action is crucial.
- Stay Calm: Keeping calm will help you manage the situation more effectively. Remember, poisoning is not necessarily fatal if handled promptly and correctly.
- Identify the Substance: Look for packaging, wrappers or any unusual items around your home. Identifying the poison will help the vet provide the best treatment.
- Remove the Substance: Ensure the toxic substance is out of your dog’s reach to prevent further ingestion. Contact your vet immediately for advice.
- Take Your Dog to the Vet: Time is critical. Handle your pet with care, as they may react aggressively due to pain. Approach them from the side and avoid their mouth. Transport them safely: use a well-fitted lead for dogs that can walk, or place smaller dogs in a secure, ventilated carrier. If possible, secure the carrier with a seatbelt and bring a familiar blanket or toy for comfort. Drive safely and know the route to the clinic. Bringing someone along for support can be helpful.
- Provide Information to the Vet: Share details about the poison, including the trade name, active ingredient, amount ingested, and the time of ingestion. Bringing a sample or packaging of the toxic substance will assist the vet in diagnosing and treating your dog effectively.
Prompt and informed action is essential in managing poisoning cases and ensuring the best possible outcome for your pet.
Can owners treat their dogs themselves?
It is usually not recommended to treat dogs yourself even in the initial stage. Unfortunately, when animals ingest poison, time is often of the essence to prevent organ damage and possibly death. Delaying the treatment in an attempt to treat the dogs yourself may be the difference between the vet successfully treating the dog, or the animal dying.
What are some of the signs of poisoning?
The signs of poisoning depend entirely on the type of poison ingested. For example, ingesting rodenticide (rat-poison) may only result in clinical signs three to five days after the ingestion of the poison, and would result in bleeding tendencies, respiratory difficulties, bloated abdomen, at which point it may be too late to treat the animal. Malicious or accidental poisoning with organophosphates (two-step) or snail bait may either result in acute death if a large amount of the poison is ingested or if a lesser amount is eaten by the animal, may cause dilated pupils, foaming at the mouth, muscle twitching, which then progresses to seizures, respiratory failure and death.
What type of poison is usually used on dogs?
The most common malicious poisonings are caused by organophosphates (two-step) or alternatively rat-poison or snail bait. Inadvertent poisoning of pets may occur if a dog product is used on a cat (various flea and tick treatments), if an animal ingests human medication such as antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or recreational drugs. Various plants and foods may also be toxic and result in organ failure, such as ingestion of any part of the cycad plant or feeding raisins or grapes to domestic animals.
