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

38 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Outdoor Plants with Toxic Effects (continued)
Hallucinogens
Locoweed Nutmeg
Marijuana Periwinkle
Morning glory Peyote
Poppy
Outdoor plants that cause convulsions
Chinaberry Nux vomica
Coriaria Water hemlock
Moonweed
LEAD
Lead is found in fishing weights and is a base for some artists’ paints. Other
sources of lead include linoleum, drywall (sheetrock), batteries, plumbing
materials, putty, lead foil, solder, golf balls, old paint chips, and tar paper. The
use of commercial lead-free paints has significantly reduced the frequency of
lead intoxication. Poisoning occurs primarily in puppies and dogs who chew
and swallow objects that contain lead. Toxicity usually requires repeated
exposure.
Acute lead intoxication is characterized by vomiting and a very painful
abdomen. With chronic exposure, a variety of central nervous system signs
can develop. They include seizures, uncoordinated gait, excitation, continuous
barking, attacks of hysteria, weakness, stupor, and blindness. Chewing and
champing fits may be mistaken for the encephalitis of distemper.
Treatment: If you suspect your dog has ingested lead, induce vomiting (see
page 25). Seek veterinary attention. Blood tests will be done to check for lead
levels. Specific antidotes to bind and remove lead from the dog’s system are
available from your veterinarian.
ZINC
Pennies made after 1982 have a zinc core. This heavy metal can be toxic to
dogs, leading to hemolytic anemia, blood in the urine, and possible kidney
failure. If you see your dog ingest pennies, induce vomiting. Many times, clinical
signs do not show up for days, as the stomach acid dissolves the metal.
Surgery to remove any pennies may be required and your dog may need hospitalization
for fluids and to attempt therapy to chelate (remove from the body)
the zinc.