Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

26 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Seizures
Seizures caused by poisons are associated with prolonged periods of hypoxia
and the potential for brain damage. Continuous or recurrent seizures are controlled
with intravenous diazepam (Valium) or barbiturates, which must be
administered by a veterinarian.
Note that seizures caused by strychnine and other central nervous system
poisons may be mistaken for epilepsy. This could be a problem, because immediate
veterinary attention is needed in cases of poisoning, but not for most
epileptic seizures. Seizures caused by poisoning usually are continuous or recur
within minutes. Between seizures the dog may exhibit tremors, lack of coordination,
weakness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In contrast, most epileptic
seizures are brief, seldom lasting more than two minutes, and are followed by
a quiet period in which the dog appears dazed but otherwise normal. If your
dog is having a seizure, see the treatment section under Epilepsy, page 369.
CONTACT POISONS
If your dog’s coat or skin comes in contact with a poisonous substance or toxic
chemical, flush the site with large amounts of water for 30 minutes. Wear rubber
or plastic gloves and give the dog a complete bath in lukewarm water.
Even if the substance is not irritating to the skin, it must be removed.
Otherwise the dog may lick it off and swallow it.
DRUG POISONS
Unintentional overdose with veterinary medications and accidental ingestion
of both human and veterinary pills are the most common causes of poisoning
in pets. Veterinary products, in particular, are often flavored to encourage a
dog to take them, and will be eagerly consumed if they are discovered.
Many people give over-the-counter medications to their dogs without veterinary
approval, to treat a variety of symptoms; they believe that what works
for people works for dogs. Unfortunately, this is not correct. Drugs given to
dogs in human dosages are often toxic—and some human drugs cannot be
given to dogs in any amount.
Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen
(Tylenol) are a particular problem. Dogs and cats do not have the necessary
enzymes to detoxify and eliminate these drugs. This can lead to the accumulation
of dangerous substances in the animal that are left behind when the
drugs are metabolized. As few as two Tylenol tablets can produce severe organ
damage in a medium-size dog. Symptoms develop quickly and include abdominal
pain, salivation, vomiting, and weakness.