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

30 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Treatment: Induce vomiting (see page 25) immediately after ingestion. But
do not induce vomiting if the dog is unresponsive, convulsing, or having difficulty
breathing. Cover the dog with a coat or blanket and proceed as quickly as
possible to the nearest veterinary clinic. Further treatment involves administering
intravenous diazepam (Valium) or barbiturates to control seizures. The dog
is placed in a dark, quiet room and disturbed as little as possible.
Sodium Fluoroacetate
Sodium fluoroacetate (compound 1080/1081), a very potent rat and gopher
poison, is restricted to licensed pest control operators and is used infrequently
in the United States. Dogs and cats have been poisoned by eating a dead
rodent that has ingested the poison. The onset is sudden and begins with
vomiting, followed by agitation, staggering, convulsions, and collapse.
Treatment: Treatment is similar to that described for strychnine poisoning
(on this page).
Metaldehyde
This poison, often combined with arsenic, is found in rat, snail, and slug baits.
It is also used as a solid fuel for camp stoves. The dry form looks and tastes like
dog food. Signs of toxicity include excitation, drooling and slobbering, uncoordinated
gait, muscle tremors, inability to stand, and continuous seizures that
eventually lead to death from respiratory paralysis. Signs many appear immediately
or up to three hours after ingestion. Dogs who survive the acute poisoning
may die from secondary liver failure.
Treatment: Treatment is similar to that described for strychnine poisoning
(on this page).
Phosphorus
This extremely toxic chemical is used in rat and roach poisons and is also
found in fireworks, matches, and matchboxes. A poisoned dog may have a
garlic odor to his breath. The first signs of intoxication are vomiting and diarrhea.
This is followed by an interval of normal behavior, then by further vomiting,
cramps, pain in the abdomen, convulsions, and coma.
Treatment: Induce vomiting (see page 25) when you suspect the dog has
ingested a product or poison that contains phosphorus. Do not coat the bowel
with milk or egg whites, as this can actually promote absorption. Take your
dog to the nearest veterinary facility. There is no specific antidote.
Zinc Phosphide
This substance is found in rat poisons and is used by pest control professionals
as a grain fumigant. Zinc phosphide in the stomach releases gas that has the
odor of garlic or rotten fish. Intoxication causes depression, rapid labored
breathing, vomiting (often of blood), weakness, convulsions, and death.