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

Treatment: Treatment is similar to that described for strychnine poisoning
(page 33). The lavage must be done at a veterinary clinic. There is no specific
antidote. The stomach should be lavaged with 5 percent sodium bicarbonate,
which raises the gastric pH and delays the formation of gas.
INSECTICIDES
EMERGENCIES • 31
There are dozens of products sold at hardware, home repair, and agricultural
stores to kill ants, termites, wasps, garden pests, and other insects. Most of
them contain organophosphates and carbamates as their active ingredients.
With the development of pyrethrin insecticides that are equally effective
but much less toxic, organophosphates and carbamates are being used less
frequently.
Organophosphates and Carbamates
The organophosphates include chlorpyrifos, diazinon, phosmet, fenthion,
cythioate, and tetrachlorvinphos. The common carbamates are carbyl and
propexur. Most cases of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning occur
because the dog ingested a poison bait. Exposure to high concentrations of
chemicals in sprays and dusts also occurs.
Signs of toxicity are hyperexcitability, excessive salivation and drooling,
frequent urination, diarrhea, muscle twitching, weakness, staggering, collapse,
and coma. Death is by respiratory failure.
Treatment: If you suspect that your dog has ingested an insecticide poison,
immediately induce vomiting (see page 25) and notify your veterinarian.
With any sign of toxicity, the first priority is to get your dog to the veterinarian
as quickly as possible.
The specific antidote for organophosphate poisoning (not carbamate poisoning)
is 2-PAM (protopam chloride). Atropine is given for both organophosphate
and carbamate poisoning to control excessive salivation, vomiting,
frequent urination and defecation, and to reverse a slow heart rate. Seizures are
controlled with diazepam (Valium) or barbiturates.
In the event of skin exposure, give the dog a bath with soapy water and
rinse thoroughly to remove residual insecticide.
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
These compounds, of which the prototype is DDT, are added to sprays and
dusts to control plant pests. Their use has been curtailed because of persistent
toxicity in the environment. Only lindane and methoxychlor are approved
for use around livestock. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are readily inhaled and
easily absorbed through the skin. Toxicity can occur from repeated or excessive
exposure.