Ask The Vet RadioShow Notes

Show #: 06-118

Show Description: "Toxicology"

Audio Files: ATVR-06-118.mp3, ATVR-06-118.wma

Many common plants and typical household items are extremely toxic to pets.  Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President and Toxicologist of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center, called in to discuss frequent toxic calls received by the Center and the common household items involved.  Veterinary Toxicologist Dr. Gerry Henningsen from H & H Scientific Services, LLP joined us via telephone to discuss toxins in the environment and how they affect animals and humans. 

Show Notes and Resources:

Call-In Guest: Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President and Toxicologist of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

  • The Toxicology Specialists from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center not only takes calls from pet owners but also aid emergency centers all over the country.  Toxicity incidents involving pets can turn fatal within minutes and the Center provides a quick and knowledgeable resource for emergency veterinarians.  The Center is not only for animals who have already consumed toxins, but can also be used as a preliminary resource for any inquiries pet owners have about products before they give them to their pets.
  • The most frequent calls the Animal Poison Control Center receives involve human over-the-counter and prescription medications.  Pets can easily chew through child-proof bottles and medication reminder containers.  Insecticides used to be the more prevalent reason pets would suffer from toxicity, but in recent years human medication cases have increased and surpassed all other reasons.  Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and all related anti-inflammatory drugs are extremely lethal to pets.  Be cautious with pills and make sure that none fall on the floor or are left out on the counters for pets to find.  NEVER give pets any medication without first consulting a veterinarian.  Also, NEVER mix species-specific medications.  Dog treatments, shampoos, and tablets can be deadly to cats.  Always read the label and be sure to call the ASPCA or your local veterinarian if you have any questions prior to administering any treatment or medication to pets.
  • Though cases have declined in recent years, insecticides can still be a problem for pets.  Research the product first!  Some insecticides can be more challenging than others because many do not have antidotes once ingested.  Other items particularly dangerous to pets include liquid potpourri, foggers, paint solvents, laundry detergents, and antifreeze.  A couple of tablespoons of Antifreeze or other substances leaking from vehicles can cause fatal reactions for pets.  Initial signs of drunkenness will ensue, followed by lethargic behavior.  Visit the ASPCA website at http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_poisonsafe for useful toxicity information and a detailed list of toxic common plants and household items. 
  • Certain types of grass, oak trees, maple trees, walnut shavings, and acorns can be particularly hazardous to livestock.  Identify plants around your area.  This will allow you to keep your animals away from toxic plants and also give you the knowledge you need in case one of your animals gets into them.  Be sure to have a good food source and fresh water source for your animals at all times.  When animals do not have a plentiful supply, they tend to get into trouble when they look elsewhere for nourishment. 
  • A tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide can be given to dogs to induce vomiting after certain toxins are ingested, however, NEVER give pets hydrogen peroxide if they have ingested liquid or corrosive toxins.  The combination of hydrogen peroxide and liquid or corrosive toxins could do further damage and severely harm your pet.  Before administering hydrogen peroxide to your pets, a good rule of thumb is to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA toxicology hotline to ensure that the substance will not produce a deadly reaction when combined with the toxic substance ingested, further increasing the severity of the problem. 
  • Accidents occur.  If your pet becomes poisoned, be sure to act rapidly without panicking.  Panicking can interfere with the aid of your pet and cause your pet to stress.  Take 30 to 60 seconds to collect the poison involved.  Having the material on hand will be of great use to your veterinarian or the ASPCA toxicologists as they determine the poisons involved and the course of action that needs to be taken.  If you do make a trip to the veterinarian, be sure to bring the material (and its box or container) and collect in a plastic bag any material your pet vomited or chewed.  If you suspect your pet may have ingested something hazardous, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance even if symptoms have yet to develop.  Sometimes animals can seem normal for hours and even days after ingesting poison.  The number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24 hour emergency hotline is (888) 426-4435; there is a $55 consultation fee for this service.  For non-emergency inquiries, email napcc@aspca.org.
  • Also, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) to share the reaction your pet had to a certain product in order to identify the problem.  Awareness of a product’s toxicity may help prevent the illness of another animal.  Visit the NPIC at http://npic.orst.edu/.

Call-In Guest: Dr. Gerry Henningsen, Veterinary Toxicologist from H & H Scientific Services, LLP

  • H & H Scientific Services specializes in the consultation on environmental risk assessment and pharmacology/ toxicology studies.  Visit their website at www.hh-llp.net.
  • Dr. Henningsen informed listeners that pharmaceutical laboratories and contract laboratories have at least one veterinarian on staff to aid in finding similarities and differences between animal health and human health, response comparison, and research.  In the industry now, hot topics include high-threat diseases (with and without toxicant links), Homeland Defense, Agribioterrorism, genetic toxicant research, and cancer studies.  Though cancer is believed to be caused by some toxins in the environment, a direct link can be found only in incidental cases. 
  • Though the environment seems to have cleaned up in the past decade, wild animals are very susceptible to toxins and pesticide.  The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has made great progress towards the welfare and habitats of our wildlife.  To visit the EPA website, visit http://www.epa.gov/.

Rescue of the Week: The Grainger County Humane Society

  • The Grainger County Humane Society is a non-profit organization that was formed in May 2001 and exists solely on volunteers and donations.  Their mission is to promote the humane treatment of domestic animals, educate the public on pet responsibility, and help control the pet population to ensure the well-being of domestic animals in the area.  On Saturday, September 9th the organization will have an adoption event at Pet Supplies “Plus” on Broadway from 9 am until 5 pm.  To send in donations, become a volunteer, or meet their many adoptable animals, please visit www.graingerhumanesociety.org or link directly to their site from our Rescue Page.