How many times have you heard someone say their neighbor is trying, or has poisoned their pet? Often, the pertinent clinical signs are unrelated to any toxin, however, many times, toxicosis is the source of clinical signs. Most toxic exposure in animals is accidental. Many pets may ingest plants, pesticides, automotive products and over-the-counter prescription drugs available in or around the home, despite the owner's best efforts to prevent them from doing so.
Today, because of the age of the Internet, there are a lot of truths, half-truths and untruths out there. There are so many rumors, and misinformation, that one must be careful on the Internet. I will try to give good information that has been verified as good about certain poisoning.
Ingestion of grapes and raisins may result in acute renal failure in dogs. Vomiting, lethargy and polydipsia (thirst) may occur five to six hours after ingestion, followed by loss of appetite and diarrhea. The owner should induce vomiting and place the animal on fluids.
Ingestion of sugarless candy or gum containing xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Weakness, ataxia and total collapse may occur 30 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Xylitol promotes insulin release by the pancreas which results in profound hypoglycemia.
Ingestion of chocolate can poison cats and dogs. All chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine which are toxic. This causes restlessness, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.
Onions and garlic can be bad for dogs. Too much onion and garlic in the diet can produce depression, rapid heart and respiratory rates and pale mucus membranes.
Ingestion of poinsettia flowers or leaves can make cats and dogs sick. This plant contains a milky lard sap that contains diterpenoid esters. These are irritants to the gastrointestinal system.
Macadamia nuts produce muscle weakness in dogs. Weakness, depression and vomiting usually occur six hours after ingestion.
Centipedes if eaten by pets can cause harm. All centipedes are venomous and can inflict harm by their stings, or because they have been ingested.
Vitamins A and D have toxic potential for many animals. Excessive amounts of vitamin A promote bone lesions. Excessive amounts of vitamin D will result in hypercalcemia and calcium deposits on soft tissues.
Herbal products can harm cats and dogs. When left open and available, potpourri, garden herbs, cooking powders, perfumes and any various odorants or similar scent products are attractive to cats. They are very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.
Greenie dental treats are not risk free for cats and dogs. Greenies are hard, green, molded bone-shaped treats that contain wheat gluten and other additives. They are intended to be chewed before ingestion to help prevent oral odors, tartar buildup and gingivitis. Unfortunately, pets occasionally will swallow large pieces of the hand treats rather than chew them, resulting in gastrointestinal upset.
Clorox bleach contains sodium hypochlorite which is corrosive and may cause harm due to eye and skin contact. Too often, Bahamian owners wash their floors or kennels on a daily basis, resulting in a lot of skin lesions as a result of the bleach.
Anything and everything can potentially be toxic for a companion animal because the dose alone makes all the difference.
Daily I receive emails that may have some validity, or may be clearly erroneous, or sometimes are half-truths concerning different toxins. I have to use my knowledge, experience and common sense to provide appropriate, realistic and professional information. Because there is one true toxicology lab available to veterinarians in The Bahamas, many times we are at a disadvantage and hence we do miss some diagnoses.

o Dr. Basil Sands can be contacted at the Central Animal Hospital at 325-1288.

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