Introduction
One of the most common inquiries at emergency animal hospitals is related to accidental ingestion. This encompasses a wide range of issues, such as when dogs or cats accidentally consume toxic substances or ingest dangerous items that they cannot digest. The appropriate response varies depending on what was ingested, the quantity, and the time elapsed since ingestion. Here, we’ll outline the different types of accidental ingestion and their corresponding management.
Accidental ingestion issues can be classified into the following categories:
- Toxic Substances: Items that are toxic to the animal.
- Mechanical Substances: Items that pose physical hazards.
What these have in common is that they are “accidents” where the animal has consumed something it shouldn’t have. Although there are exceptions, most cases of accidental ingestion are due to the owner’s negligence or lack of knowledge. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, many of these incidents can be avoided. We hope that readers will pay close attention to maintaining a safe environment for their pets.
Toxic Substances
When we think of poisoning in dogs and cats, chocolate and onions often come to mind. However, there are many other potential toxins, including certain houseplants and human medications. Below, we list some common toxins encountered at our clinic. It is crucial to ensure these substances are out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Chocolate, Cocoa, Coffee
These contain caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic. Mild cases can cause diarrhea and vomiting, while severe cases may result in high blood pressure, arrhythmia, high fever, seizures, and, in extreme cases, death. The risk increases with higher cocoa content.
Onions and Garlic
Contain propyl disulfide, which destroys red blood cells and can cause severe anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, and symptoms can appear immediately or several days later.
Grapes and Raisins
The exact mechanism is unknown, but they can cause acute kidney failure. Severe cases may result in death if kidney function deteriorates to the point where urine production ceases.
Xylitol
This artificial sweetener can cause hypoglycemia in dogs, leading to symptoms like wobbling and weakness, and can be fatal in severe cases. It can also cause liver damage.
Houseplants and Flowers
Especially lilies, tulips, and lilies of the valley, which can cause acute kidney failure in cats even from drinking water in a vase. Always research plants before bringing them into your home.
- Other toxic plants to watch out for: Azalea, Amaryllis, Morning Glory, Yew, Autumn Crocus, Baby’s Breath, Bellflower, Nerium Oleander, Christmas Rose, Daffodil, Sweet Pea, Rhododendron, Nightshade, Hyacinth, Spider Lily, Wisteria, Poinsettia, Balsam, Monstera, Japanese Knotweed, Lantana, and Bracken Fern.
Alcohol
Pets cannot metabolize alcohol effectively, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and altered consciousness, potentially leading to death. Be cautious with alcohol-containing beverages and foods as well as hand sanitizer.
Tobacco
Nicotine in tobacco causes rapid onset of symptoms such as excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased breathing rate.
Avocado
Contains persin, which can cause appetite loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory distress. The exact dose for toxicity is not well known, and ingestion of the pit poses a choking hazard or can cause intestinal blockage. Additionally, avocado is a high-calorie food that contains a lot of fat, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis.
Macadamia Nuts (Nuts)
Nuts are generally difficult to digest and high in fat, so caution is required when giving them to dogs. Consuming them in large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, as well as neurological symptoms such as hind limb weakness and tremors.
Human Medications
Symptoms and treatment vary based on the type and quantity of medication ingested. Please inform the veterinarian of the exact medication and amount ingested, and provide all the information you have. If the medication packaging was swallowed as well, it could potentially harm the digestive tract.
- Particularly Dangerous Human Medications:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Loxonin and Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Fever reducers and painkillers
- Antihypertensives
- Antiarrhythmics
- Anxiolytics
- Sleep aids
- Minoxidil (a hair growth treatment)
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are a general term for substances used to control rodents, and they often contain sugars or wheat to attract rodents. This means that dogs and cats may also be drawn to these substances. The components found in rodenticides can interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, leading to bleeding from various parts of the body and potentially causing anemia due to the bleeding.
Herbicides (Pesticides)
Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine or stools, and loss of coordination.
High-risk substances are marked in red. The severity and necessary treatment depend on what was ingested, the animal, and the time since ingestion. If a pet has consumed any of these substances, seek immediate veterinary advice.
Also, if you have packaging or ingredient lists for the ingested substances, bring them to the clinic as they help in assessing the risk based on the components involved. In the case of human medication, bring the prescription or packaging.
Mechanical Substances
Problems also arise from ingesting non-toxic but indigestible objects, such as fruit pits, tissues, balls, socks, plastics, needles, or corn cobs.
The severity and management depend on the location, type, and condition of the ingested object:
Esophageal Foreign Bodies
If an object is stuck in the esophagus, emergency intervention is required. Small dogs may become obstructed in the esophagus if they steal human food such as apples or fried chicken, or if they swallow dog chew toys like dental chews without chewing them. Signs include excessive salivation, gagging without vomiting, and general discomfort. Sometimes, symptoms may be apparent initially but then become less noticeable. Therefore, even if the symptoms seem to subside, continued vigilance is necessary.
If an obstruction remains in the esophagus for an extended period, it can lead to severe complications such as esophageal perforation or narrowing. If you suspect an obstruction, it is advisable to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. X-rays can often diagnose the issue relatively easily, and early detection may allow for emergency endoscopic surgery to address the problem.
Gastric Foreign Bodies
Symptoms can range from severe nausea and vomiting to no symptoms at all. In particular, it is often the case that no symptoms are evident immediately after an ingestion incident. However, if there is indeed an object in the stomach, it must be removed.
There are several treatment options available if an object needs to be extracted from the stomach:
1. Inducing Vomiting: The contents of the stomach can be expelled by administering emetic medications via injection, which may also remove the foreign object. However, this method is contraindicated for sharp objects like needles, as they could potentially cause internal injury during the vomiting process.
2. Endoscopic Removal: This involves inserting a digestive tract endoscope into the stomach under general anesthesia and using forceps to remove the object. While general anesthesia is required, this method safely removes sharp objects without the need for abdominal surgery, minimizing damage to the patient. Most animals recover by the next day and can resume normal activities. However, the size and location of the object may limit the effectiveness of this method.
3. Surgical Removal: This approach is used for almost all types of stomach objects, but it involves abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Recovery from the surgery can take several days, and stitches will be needed once the incision heals.
Intestinal Foreign Bodies (Small Intestine)
When a foreign object moves from the stomach to the small intestine and causes an obstruction or damage, the severity of the condition escalates rapidly. Symptoms may include a loss of appetite, multiple bouts of vomiting, inability to keep water down, and lethargy.
Once an intestinal obstruction occurs, the primary treatment option is typically abdominal surgery.
Here’s why:
- Emetic treatments can only expel stomach contents, not objects that have moved into the small intestine.
- Endoscopic scopes can only reach as far as the initial segment of the small intestine from the stomach and are limited in their maneuverability and riskier for objects lodged further along.
- Depending on the size and shape of the obstructing object and the duration since obstruction, there is a risk of perforation (creating holes in the intestine) or necrosis (tissue death), which can lead to bacterial peritonitis. This severe condition might not be survivable even with emergency surgery. Such cases often require blood transfusions, 24-hour care, and multiple surgeries. However, if diagnosed and treated early, most cases of intestinal obstruction can result in good recovery.
Additionally, string-like objects pose a higher risk for necrosis and perforation, especially in cats. For example, broken cat toys with strings or strings themselves can become lodged in the stomach while the string progresses through the intestines, pulling and damaging the intestines. Even if only the string is ingested, it can cause similar issues if it gets tangled in the intestines. If you suspect ingestion of string-like materials, seek veterinary care immediately.
Prevention
Preventing accidental ingestion requires keeping harmful substances out of reach and monitoring pets. If a pet is found with something it shouldn’t have, stay calm and use treats or toys to distract them. Avoid sudden movements that may cause the pet to swallow the object. Training pets to respond to commands like “drop it” can be beneficial.
Conclusion
Identifying accidental ingestion is often straightforward if observed directly, but symptoms such as repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy may indicate hidden ingestion. Accidental ingestion is preventable, and responsibility lies with the owner. Regularly review your pet’s environment to ensure it’s safe and seek veterinary advice promptly if ingestion is suspected.
