Dogs [mostly sight breeds] have been known to exhibit severe hyperthermia following ingestion of 'raw' or spent hops [Humulus
lupulus]. Rectal temperatures are often > 108 F, and are sometimes very difficult to control. The diagnosis is most commonly
made following the observation of hops in vomitus of the affected patient. Commonly reported clinical signs include restlessness
and excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, excessive panting and weakness. Treatment should be directed at
lowering the core body temperature. Techniques can include IV fluid therapy [accompanied by rectal enemas], cool towel wraps,
fans and isopropyl alcohol. If dantrolene is available, one can try an initial dose of 2-3 mg/kg IV [or 3.5 mg/kg PO], followed
by 3.5 mg/kg q 12 hrs as necessary.
High concentrations of sodium chloride can be found in many homemade play dough formulations. Clinical signs following ingestion may include vomiting, polydipsia, polyuria, tremors, hyperthermia and seizures.
The lowest dose associated with clinical signs is reported as being 1.9 g/kg BW. Seizures are consistently seen when serum
sodium concentrations exceed 180 mEq/l. Hypernatremia can be complicated by lack of available water or underlying renal insufficiency.
A typical recipe consists of 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and ½ to 1 cup of water - this is roughly equivalent to 8.4 grams
of sodium chloride per tablespoon. Decontamination should be initiated if the exposure has occurred within 60 minutes and
the patient is asymptomatic. Serum sodium levels should be monitored. For the hypernatremic patient, the treatment involves
slowly correcting the water deficit over a 48-72 interval with isotonic or hypotonic fluids. It is recommended that serum
sodium levels should not decrease faster than 0.5 to 1.0 mEq/l/hr.
Dibutyl phthalate is present in many glow-in-the-dark products, and its toxicity potential is considered low. However, pets chewing these products might experience salivation, along with
hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. The chemical is considered to be very unpleasant, and this characteristic often limits
excessive exposures. Rinsing the mouth is usually all that is required, and most signs resolve in a few hours.
Moisture absorbents, such as dessicant packets, are found in many packages for shoeboxes, lamps, medications and electronic
equipment. A common ingredient is silica gel, which can look like a white powder or granular substance. Silica gel is typically found in paper or plastic packets or cylinders.
Silica gel is considered to have low toxicity, and most exposures do not result in any clinical problems. Mild gastrointestinal
upset is the most common abnormality reported. Ingestion of mothballs are not commonly reported in pets. Mothballs can contain two toxic components – naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
Napthalene mothballs are more toxic, and cats are particularly sensitive to its toxic effect. Heinz bodies, hemolysis, and
possibly methemoglobinemia [leading to brown discoloration to the blood] can be observed. Exposures greater than 400 mg/kg
can lead to clinical problems in dogs [one 2.7 g mothball contains 2700 mg naphthalene]. Paradichlorobenzene causes more of
a neurological condition [disorientation, excitation/depression, seizures] in addition to gastrointestinal signs [vomiting,
abdominal pain]. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Pets ingesting human medications are common occurrences, and it is impossible to cover all potential types of ingestions.
Numerous sites are available to the practitioner that can provide helpful medical information regarding appropriate treatment
plans for pets. These can include websites [http://fdb.rxlist.com/drugs/search.aspx], poison control centers [800.222.1222] and the ASPCA-APCC [888-426-4435]. Many times information from the human literature
can be used and extrapolated to the situation at hand. Listed below are examples of some poisonings that can be encountered
in practice.
